Functional Test - Safety Belt Buckle and Tongue

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The safety belt buckle and tongue assembly must operate freely during the latching and unlatching function. Fasten the safety belt by inserting the tongue (male portion) into the buckle (female portion).

1.

Verify the following during the latching sequence:
- Tongue insertion does not require excessive effort.
- A click is heard when the safety belt buckle latches the tongue.

2.

Verify the system integrity by forcefully pulling on the safety belt webbing.

3.

Unlatch the safety belt by fully depressing the safety belt buckle release button and allowing the safety belt to release and retract.

4.

Verify the following during the unlatching process:
- Pressing the push-button does not require excessive effort.
- The tongue can be removed easily from the buckle.

5.

Repeat the above steps 3 times.

6.

If the functional test reveals a concern(s), install a new safety belt buckle or safety belt retractor as required.