2008 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 188

Seating and Safety Restraints After any vehicle collision, the combination lap and shoulder belt system at all passenger seating positions must be checked by an authorized dealer to verify that the "automatic locking retractor" feature for child seats is still functioning properly, in addition to other checks for proper safety belt system function. BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly "automatic locking retractor" feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly. In addition, all safety belts should be checked for proper function. Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions. Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and right front passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioner tightens the safety belts firmly against the occupant's body at the start of the crash. When the Safety Canopy™ system, seat-mounted side airbags, and/or the front airbags are activated, the safety belt pretensioners for the driver and right front passenger seating positions will be activated when the respective seatbelt is properly buckled. The driver and front passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety Canopy™, and safety belt pretensioners. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter. 188