Removal and Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. 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 workshop manual. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
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 workshop manual. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
NOTE:
The RH safety belt buckle is a part of the center safety belt retractor assembly and is not serviced separately. To remove the RH safety belt buckle, refer to SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR - REAR, CENTER, FIVE HUNDRED, MONTEGO .
- Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
- Remove the nut and the LH and center safety belt buckle assembly.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
- To install reverse the removal procedure.
- Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .
NOTE:
Be sure to route the safety belt buckle through the opening provided in the seat cushion when reinstalling.
NOTE:
The anti-rotation tab of the safety belt anchor buckle assembly must be correctly aligned before tightening fastener for correct installation.