Mustang V6-4.0L (2008)
Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation
Safety Belt Retractor And Pretensioner
The front safety belt retractors use a safety belt pretensioner system. This works in conjunction with the front air bag system and side air bag system.
The pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing slack from the safety belt. When activated by the restraints control module
(RCM), the pretensioner deploys in the retractor, removing excess slack from the lap and shoulder safety belt. The pretensioners are activated when
the RCM detects an impact force exceeding a programmed limit.
If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the safety belt pretensioners, a new driver and passenger seat belt system
(including safety belt retractor and pretensioners, safety belt retractors, safety belts, safety belt buckles and safety belt shoulder guides) must be
installed.
Each front safety belt shoulder guide includes a 2-position safety belt presenter arm that rotates rearward to allow for occupant rear seat access
(stowed position) and forward for front seat occupant use (worn position).
For safety belt retractor and pretensioner diagnostic information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
For safety belt retractor and pretensioner disposal information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Dual Locking Mode Retractors
NOTE: When installing a new 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 outboard 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.
