1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 219

Maintenance and care vinyl cleaner or a mild soap. Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions may weaken the belt webbing. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped) and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Cleaning the built-in child seat (if equipped) Clean the built-in child seat with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaning products because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or damage the vinyl parts of the seat. 220