Escape 4WD V6-181 3.0L DOHC VIN 1 Duratec (2003)
Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation
WARNING: REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN THE FRONT SEATS.
The dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front outboard passenger and both rear
outboard seating positions, operates in two ways. The driver single locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder
safety belt works only in the vehicle sensitive mode.
1. In the vehicle-sensitive (emergency locking) mode, the shoulder belt retractor allows the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on
hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) or more. The front and rear outboard seat belt retractors can also be
made to lock by pulling/jerking on the belt.
2. In the automatic locking mode, the shoulder belt retractor automatically locks and remains locked when the combination lap/shoulder safety belt is
buckled and does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. This mode provides tight lap/shoulder belt fit on the occupant and on a child
safety seat.
3. When the combination lap/shoulder belt is unbuckled and allowed to retract completely, the retractor switches to the vehicle-sensitive (emergency)
locking mode.
The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in the front outboard passenger and both rear outboard passenger seating
positions.
