Safety Belt Retractor 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 driver and passenger seat safety belt retractors use a safety belt pretensioner system. This works in conjunction with the safety belt buckle pretensioner, front air bag system and, if equipped, side air bag system. The pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing slack from the safety belt. When activated by the restraints control module (RCM), the pretensioner deploys in the retractor, removing excess slack from the lap and shoulder safety belt. The pretensioners are activated when the RCM detects an impact force exceeding a programmed limit.

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

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

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