Removal and Installation

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

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensors [BTS] if equipped, buckles, shoulder belt height adjusters [if equipped], child safety seat tether attachments and attaching hardware) should be inspected after any collision. All new belt assemblies should be installed unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate correctly. 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 ALR feature of the safety belt retractor must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the ALR feature for a child safety seat is functioning correctly, in addition to other checks for correct safety belt system function. A new belt and retractor assembly must be installed if the safety belt assembly's ALR feature or any other safety belt function is not operating correctly when inspected. Failure to install a new belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

WARNING: The safety belt pretensioner and adaptive load limiting retractor are pyrotechnic devices. Always wear safety glasses when repairing an air bag equipped vehicle and when handling a safety belt buckle pretensioner or safety belt retractor pretensioner/adaptive load limiting retractor. Never probe a pretensioner or adaptive load limiting retractor electrical connector. Doing so could result in pretensioner, adaptive load limiting retractor or air bag deployment and could result in personal injury.

NOTE: If a seat equipped with a supplemental restraint system (SRS) component is being serviced, the SRS must be depowered.

NOTE: The air bag warning lamp illuminates when the RCM fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON. This is normal operation and does not indicate a SRS fault.

NOTE: The SRS must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Repair is made by installing a new part only. If the new part does not correct the condition, install the original part and carry out the diagnostic procedure again.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

All front retractors

NOTE: If equipped with power seats, position the passenger seat track DOWNWARD to access the safety belt retractor anchor bolt.

Position the seat to the most FORWARD position.
Depower the SRS. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .

NOTE: Inspect the D-ring cover for damage. If the cover is damaged or does not remain attached, install a new D-ring cover.

Remove the D-ring cover.
Remove the bolt and D-ring.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Remove the lower B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .

RH front retractor

Remove the safety belt retractor anchor cover from the side of the seat.

All front retractors

Remove the bolt and safety belt retractor anchor.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Disconnect the electrical connector.
Remove the upper bolt.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Remove the lower bolt and safety belt retractor and pretensioner.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).

NOTE: Make sure the safety belt webbing is not twisted prior to installation.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Repower the SRS. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .
Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .