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.

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

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not use any memory saver devices.

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 supplemental restraint system (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.

Depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEPOWERING AND REPOWERING .

CAUTION: Use care when handling the seat and track assembly. Dropping the assembly or sitting on a seat not secured in the vehicle may result in damaged components.

Remove the affected seat from the vehicle. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
Remove the inboard seat cushion side shield.
1. Remove the front and rear side shield screws (front shown).
2. Remove the inboard seat cushion side shield.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Inboard Seat Cushion Side Shield
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the safety belt buckle pretensioner electrical connectors.

NOTE: Note the wire harness routing for installation.

Detach the pin-type retainers and separate the safety belt buckle and pretensioner electrical connectors and wire harness from the seat.
Remove the bolt and the safety belt buckle pretensioner.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
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 in this article.