Continental V8-4.6L DOHC (1995)
Seat Belt: Testing and Inspection
1. When passenger is not available, the front passenger belt may be tested using a driver only, providing driver has the ability to grasp front
passenger shoulder belt and extend it approximately 66 cm (26 inches) with no compromise to safe driving. This method applies to 8 km/h (5
mph) test only.
NOTE: The RH front and rear shoulder belt should not be extended fully as to preclude the possibility of a false feeling (full extension vs.
lockup).
2. Driver will buckle up and proceed to a safe test area. If front passenger or rear passenger safety belt must be tested, a passenger should be buckled
into front passenger or rear seat.
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 properly. Reshape the sheet metal back to its original form and structural integrity and install a new safety belt
assembly.
3. 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 passenger should grasp their
respective shoulder harnesses and prepare to lean slightly forward at the moment brake application is made.
4. 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 with minimal webbing extension.
5. 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 front passenger or rear passenger if front
passenger or rear belts are to be tested.)
WARNING: The driver and passenger must be prepare to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock.
6. If either or both shoulder safety belts do not lock up at 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return vehicle for service of damaged safety belts. Remove
retractor and rework sheet metal in retractor's mounting surface. Install retractor assembly and re-test safety belt assembly.
