Safety Belt Buckle Pretensioner

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The safety belt buckle and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing from the safety belt when deployed. The pretensioner works in conjunction with the front air bag system. When the front air bags deploy, the pretensioners deploy, causing the buckle to move downward, removing excess webbing from the lap and shoulder safety belts.

If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the front air bags and safety belt pretensioners, a new driver and passenger seat belt system (including safety belt buckle and pretensioners, safety belt retractors, and height adjusters), must be installed.

For safety belt buckle pretensioner diagnostic information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

For safety belt buckle pretensioner disposal information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.