1997 Ford Aerostar Owner's Manual - Page 120

Safety Belt Maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged. RWARNING Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury. 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. How to Untwist or Unjam a Safety Belt Retractor If you should jam the lap belt retractor by allowing the belt to retract when it is twisted, you can free the webbing with this procedure: 1. 2. Pull on the belt with both hands to tighten it on the retractor spool. Feed the belt back into the retractor until it is completely retracted. Repeat previous step if necessary. 118