2002 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 138

Seating and Safety Restraints 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 5. Uncoil then retract the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt retracted. • After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three seconds. 6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, uncoil then retract the safety belt. • This will disable BeltMinderif it is currently enabled, or enable BeltMinder if it is currently disabled. 7. Confirmation of disabling BeltMinderis provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling BeltMinderis provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds again. 9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete. Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), LATCH child seat tether anchors and lower anchors (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company 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. 138