1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 66

Seating and safety restraints Conditions of operation If...The driver's safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...The driver's safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...The driver's safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...Then...The safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds. The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off. The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off. Safety belt maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle 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 a 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. Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision. Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Maintenance and care section. 66