Conditions of operation
If... Then...
The driver’s safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position...
The safety belt warning light
illuminates for one to two minutes
and the warning chime sounds for
four to eight seconds.
The driver’s safety belt is buckled
while the indicator light is
illuminated and the warning chime
is sounding...
The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver’s safety belt is buckled
before the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position...
The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
Safety belt maintenance
Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure
there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt
assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
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 a collision. Ford
recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified
technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if
either damage or improper operation is noted.
Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt
asembly under the above conditions could result in severe
personal injuries in the event of a collision.
Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the
Maintenance and care section.
Seating and safety restraints
67