Fusion FWD L4-2.3L (2008)
Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation
Safety Belt Retractor and Pretensioner
The safety belt retractor and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing from the safety belt when deployed. The pretensioner
works in conjunction with the front air bag system. When the front air bags deploy, the pretensioners deploy, causing the retractor to move downward,
removing excess webbing from the lap and shoulder safety belts.
If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the front air bags and safety belt pretensioners, a new driver and passenger seat
belt system (including safety belt buckle and pretensioners, safety belt retractors and height adjusters) must be installed.
For safety belt retractor pretensioner diagnostic information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
For safety belt retractor pretensioner disposal information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Dual Locking Mode Retractors
NOTE: When installing 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 in the stowed position.
All continuous-loop, 3-point retractor systems, except the driver position, are equipped with the dual locking mode system.
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 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 the retractor is in ALR mode and
the webbing will not pull back out of the retractor. To disengage the ALR mode, let the webbing retract back onto the spool. The ALR mode is
disengaged when the webbing is free to move out and back into the retractor.
The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in the front or rear passenger seating positions where dual locking mode
retractors are provided.
Energy Management Retractor
This vehicle has 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.
The energy management retractor feature 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.
