Dual Locking Mode Retractors

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All safety belt assemblies (including retractors, belt tension sensor (BTS), if equipped, buckles, shoulder belt height adjusters [if equipped], child safety seat tether attachments and attaching hardware) should be inspected after every collision. All 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 and new assemblies installed if either damage or incorrect operation is noted. Failure to follow these instructions could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

WARNING: Rear facing child seats or infant carriers should never be placed in the front seats. If you must use a forward facing child seat, move the seat all the way back.

NOTE: When replacing a dual locking mode retractor, the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode after installation.

All outboard continuous-loop, 3-point retractor systems have an emergency locking retractor (ELR) mode and all, except the drive position, are equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode.

The emergency locking retractor (ELR) mode will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering, or an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR mode helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The ELR mode is continuously in operation at all seating positions.

The ALR portion of this system does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. The ALR mode is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made, indicating that the retractor is in ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool.

When installing new safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the installation parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts and Accessories Catalog.