Taurus V6-232 3.8L (1989)
Seat Belt: Testing and Inspection
FUNCTIONAL TEST PROCEDURE
Determine the type(s) of safety belt assembly(s) that has been replaced. Test the new safety belt assembly using the appropriate procedure.
Continuous Loop Shoulder/Lap Safety Belt Test-System With Movable Tongue and One Retractor
1. Driver will buckle up and proceed to a safe test area. If RH passenger safety belt must be tested, a passenger should be buckled into RH seat. (The
passenger belt may be tested utilizing a driver only, providing driver has the ability to grasp RH shoulder belt and extend it approximately 660 mm
(26 inches) with no compromise to safe driving). This method applies to 8 km/h (5 mph) test only.
NOTE: The RH shoulder belt should not be extended fully as to preclude the possibility of a false feeling (full extension vs. lockup).
2. After reaching a safe area to perform sudden stops, driver will attain a speed of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The driver should inform
passenger (if applicable) that he is preparing to make a severe brake application. At this time, both driver and rider should grasp their respective
shoulder harnesses and prepare to lean slightly forward at the moment brake application is made.
3. The driver will make a maximum brake application without tire skid. (The maximum brake application should be on dry concrete or equivalent
hard road surface; never on a wet or gravel road). The driver and passenger should lean forward slightly into shoulder harness. At this instant, belts
should lock up without webbing payout.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE PREPARED TO BRACE THEMSELVES IN THE EVENT THE
RETRACTOR DOES NOT LOCK.
4. If there is a lockup of both shoulder straps, safety belt assemblies are functioning properly. Should either or both retractors fail to lock up at the 8
km/h (5 mph) speed, repeat the test at a constant 24 km/h (15 mph). (This test must be performed with RH passenger if RH belt is to be tested.)
5. If either or both shoulder safety belts do not lock up at 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return vehicle for service of malfunctioning safety belts. Remove
retractor and rework sheet metal in retractor's mounting surface. Install retractor assembly and re-test safety belt assembly(s) as previously stated.
NOTE: If the retractor of a new safety belt assembly has been bolted into a damaged or distorted mounting area, the new retractor could be
warped and may not function. If this is the case, reshape the sheet metal and install another new complete safety belt assembly.
