1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 28

Shoulder Belt Emergency Release Buttons If the shoulder belt locks up in a collision, it may stay locked. To unlock the belt, press the emergency release button on the shoulder belt buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle. If the shoulder belt is unlatched and partially retracted, a warning light in the instrument panel lights up and remains on; the warning chime sounds for about five (5) seconds. To insert the tongue back into the shoulder belt buckle, push it in until you hear a click. If the belt does not lie flat against you, or the belt has a twist in it at the retractor, unlatch the belt at the buckle, remove twist, and relatch the belt into the buckle. The emergency release button for the shoulder belt After a collision, refer to Safety Belt Maintenance in this section. 26