Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, buckles, belt tension sensor [BTS], if equipped, front seat belt buckle support assemblies [slide bar], if equipped, shoulder belt height adjusters, if equipped, child safety seat tether bracket assemblies, if equipped, and attaching hardware) should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends new safety belt assemblies be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and new assemblies installed if either damage or incorrect operation is noted.
The automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature of the safety belt retractor must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the ALR feature for a child seat is functioning properly, in addition to other checks for proper safety belt system function. A belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if the safety belt assembly's "automatic locking retractor" feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly when inspected according to the functional inspection procedures in the COMPONENT TEST . Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Remove the 60 percent seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
Remove the bolt and the LH riser bracket.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Remove the bolt and the RH riser bracket.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Remove the head restraints.
Remove the 2 screws and the latch cover.
Remove the 2 seat latch release cover screws.
Remove the seat latch release lever.
1. Detach the latch rod from the seat latch release lever.
2. Remove the seat latch release lever.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Seat Latch Release Lever
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 screws and the safety belt shield.
Release the backrest trim cover J-clip.

Fig 2: Locating Backrest Trim Cover J-Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Unzip the 2 backrest trim cover zippers (one each side).

Fig 3: Unzipping Backrest Trim Cover Zippers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The inboard and outboard head restraint sleeves are not interchangeable.

NOTE: The head restraint sleeves incorporate an alignment tab that must be aligned correctly when installed.

Fig 4: Identifying Tip Of Head Restraint Sleeves

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Squeeze together the tip of each head restraint sleeve and pull the 4 sleeves out of the frame tube.

CAUTION: Use care when separating the seat upholstery from the hook and loop strip, or the hook and loop strip can be torn from the seat backrest foam pad.

Separate the hook and loop fasteners and remove the seat backrest trim cover.
Remove the backrest foam pad from the backrest frame.
Release the seat latch cable from the retractor.

Fig 5: Releasing Seat Latch Cable From Retractor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 nuts and the safety belt guide.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Remove the nut and the rear center safety belt retractor.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Check the active restraint system for correct operation.
- Make sure that after the rear safety belt retractor is installed, the retractor is not in the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode. For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM in this article.