Expedition 2WD V8-5.4L (2009)
Seat Belt Buckle: Description and Operation
Safety Belt System
WARNING: After any crash, all of the following safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware must be inspected by an authorized dealer to
verify correct function:
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Retractors
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Buckles
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Belt tension sensor (BTS) (if equipped)
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Front safety belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped)
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Safety belt shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped)
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Child safety seat tether bracket assemblies
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Automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature for child safety seats (passenger seating positions only)
If any safety belt assembly is damaged, does not operate correctly or does not pass all of the Functional Tests in the Diagnosis and Testing
portion, a new safety belt assembly must be installed. If any safety belt assembly attaching areas are damaged or distorted, the sheet metal must
be restored to its original structural integrity and new safety belt assembly and attaching hardware must be installed. Failure to install new
safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
After any crash that results in deployment of the driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt pretensioners, new driver and/or front
outboard passenger safety belt systems (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt
systems increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
The safety belt retractor is designed to let the webbing move freely in and out at all times, except during vehicle hard braking, hard cornering or an
impact of 24 km/h (15 mph) or more, when it is automatically locked by a mechanically actuated inertia sensor.
When replacing safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master
Parts and Accessories Catalog.
Safety Belt Buckles
Safety Belt Buckle and Pretensioner
The safety belt buckle and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing from the front seat safety belt system. When the front air
bag system is deployed, the pretensioner in the buckle deploys, causing the buckle to move downward, pulling 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, the driver and passenger seat belt
system (including safety belt buckle and pretensioners, safety belt retractors and shoulder height adjusters) must be replaced.
For safety belt buckle pretensioner diagnosis and disposal information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Rear Safety Belt Buckles
The second row seat safety belt buckles and third row RH safety belt buckle are attached to the seat frames. The third row LH and center safety belt
buckle assembly is attached to the floor pan underneath the 60 percent seat. All rear safety belt buckles are serviceable separately.
