Safety Belt Maintenance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies include retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjuster, child safety seat tether bracket assemblies, if equipped, and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. 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. New safety belt assemblies should be installed if either damage or incorrect operation is noted.

The safety belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure that they have not become damaged and that they remain in correct operating condition, particularly if they have been subjected to severe stress.
Before installing the new safety belt assembly; the safety belt retaining areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the retaining points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
Install the new safety belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Carry out the Functional Test Procedure. See COMPONENT TEST . For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .