Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 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.

Position the 40 percent seat to the fold flat position.
Position the 40 percent seat to the vertical position.
Remove the outboard pivot cover from the safety belt buckle assembly.
Remove the bolt and the safety belt buckle.
- To install, tighten to 37 N.m (27 lb-ft).

NOTE: The anti-rotation tab must be correctly aligned for proper operation.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .