Mountaineer 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E (1999)
Seat Belt: Service and Repair
Service Procedures
Automatic Locking Retractor-Evaluation of Lockability & Release
1. Extend the seat belt to latch the tongue into the buckle across an empty seat without slack in the seat belt, with the seat in the full down and
rearmost position, seat back in an upright position, and if applicable, the D-ring adjusted in the full down position.
2. Pull the shoulder belt to full extension to engage the retractor's Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature. Then allow the belt to retract freely in
the ALR mode, and the retractor force set the proper belt tightness.
3. Pull on the shoulder belt to check that the belt has remained in the ALR mode. If the belt is not locked, install a new belt and retractor assembly.
The seat belt should remain locked in the ALR mode across an empty seat.
4. To verify that the seat belt still automatically disengages from the ALR mode properly, with the D-ring adjusted to the full up position, if
applicable, unlatch the seat belt tongue from the buckle and allow the seat belt to retract to its stowed position. Pull on the shoulder belt to verify
that the retractor assembly has converted automatically out of the ALR mode. If the belt remains locked in the stowed position, a new belt and
retractor assembly must be installed. The seat belt should extract freely.
Post Collision Inspection
1. Before installing the new seat belt assembly, the seat belt attaching areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the attaching points are
damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
WARNING: All seat belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder belt
height adjusters, if so equipped, child safety seat tether attachments, and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. All
belt assemblies should be replaced unless a qualified technician finds 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.
NOTE: Safety belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure they have not become damaged and that they remain in proper
operating condition, particularly if they have been subjected to severe stress.
2. Install the new seat belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Perform the Component Test. See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and
General Diagnostics
Replacement of the Weld Nut and Reinforcement
1. Remove the interior trim panel to expose the suspect anchor point.
2. Determine if the weld nut only or the weld nut and reinforcement and weld nut are missing. If the B or C- or D-pillar seat belt anchor nuts or
reinforcements are stripped or missing, they should be replaced with a new nut or reinforcement. To install a missing weld nut only, proceed to
Step 3.
3. Obtain a M12 weld nut and a standard washer.
4. Drill out two 8 mm (5/16 in) diameter holes adjacent to the clearance hole.
5. Obtain a length of copper welding wire and feed through clearance hole in door frame opening until it becomes visible at the access hole.
6. Pull the wire through so that it may be secured to the weld nut and washer.
7. Pull the wire back up to the weld nut clearance hole.
8. Hold the weld nut securely in place. Use the MIG Wire Feed Welder 106-00053 to plug weld the nut in place at the two 8 mm (5/16 in) diameter
holes previously drilled.
9. Metal finish as required.
10. Verify the nut is securely in place.
Safety Belt Tongue Rotated on Belt
1. Fold the seat belt as indicated.
