Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation
Dual Locking Mode RetractorsWARNING:
- All safety belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt height adjusters, child safety seat tether attachments (if equipped), and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. All belt assemblies should be replaced unless a qualified technician finds that the assemblies show no damage and operate properly. Belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
- Rear facing child seats or infant carriers should never be placed in the front seats. If you must use a forward facing child seat, move the seat all the way back.
NOTE: When replacing a dual locking mode retractor, the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode after installation.
All outboard continuous-loop, three-point retractor systems have an emergency locking retractor (ELR) mode and all, except the drive position, are equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode.
The emergency locking retractor (ELR) mode will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering, or an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR mode helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The ELR mode is continuously in operation at all seating positions.
The ALR portion of this system does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. The ALR mode is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made, indicating that the retractor is in ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool.
When installing new safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the installation parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts and Accessories Catalog.
Energy Management Retractor
These vehicles have a safety belt system with an energy management feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.
This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on an occupant's chest.