Cinch Tongue

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Front center and rear center safety belt retractors are equipped with a locking cinch tongue. The locking cinch tongue will slide up and down the safety belt webbing when it is in the stowed position or while putting the safety belt on. When the locking cinch tongue is latched into the buckle, the cinch tongue will allow the lap portion of the safety belt to become shorter, but locks the webbing in place to restrict it from becoming longer. Before latching a cinch tongue into the buckle, the lap portion of the safety belt may have to be lengthened. To lengthen the lap belt, pull some webbing out of the safety belt retractor. While holding the webbing below the tongue, grasp the tip (metal portion) of the tongue so that it is parallel to the webbing and slide the tongue upward. Provide enough lap belt length so the tongue can reach the buckle. To fasten a cinch tongue, pull the safety belt from the retractor so the shoulder belt portion of the safety belt crosses the occupant's shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If the belt is twisted, remove the twist. For instructions on how to remove a twist, refer to SAFETY BELT TONGUE ROTATED ON BELT . Insert the locking cinch tongue into the correct buckle for the seating position until a snap is heard and latching is felt. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on the tongue. Adjust the lap belt portion of the safety belt by pulling up on the shoulder belt until the lap belt fits snugly and as low as possible around the occupant's hips.