Cleaning and Inspection

Seat Belt Maintenance

WARNING: ALL SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING RETRACTORS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE SHOULD BE INSPECTED AFTER ANY COLLISION. FORD RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IN USE DURING A COLLISION BE REPLACED UNLESS COLLISION WAS MINOR AND A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FINDS THAT BELTS SHOW NO DAMAGE AND CONTINUE TO OPERATE PROPERLY. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES NOT IN USE DURING A COLLISION SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF EITHER DAMAGE OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS NOTED.

Check the seat belt systems periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. If the seat belts are removed for any reason, the anchor bolts should be tightened to 38-78 Nm (28-58 lb-ft).

If a seat belt retractor jams, free the belt by performing the following:
1. Pull forcefully on the seat belt in order to tighten it on the retractor spool.
2. Feed the seat belt back into the retractor until it is completely retracted. Repeat the previous step, if necessary.
3. Pull the seat belt out of the retractor as tar as it will go. Remove any foreign matter or untwist the belt as necessary, and let the belt retract.
4. Fully extend and retract the seat belt at least five times to ensure the retractor is operating properly.

Seat Belt Webbing
Clean the seat belt webbing with a mild soap solution, upholstery cleaner, or carpet cleaner. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner.

WARNING: DO NOT BLEACH OR RE-DYE THE WEBBING AS THIS MAY CAUSE IT TO WEAKEN.