1997 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 147

Safety Belt Maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if so equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if so 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. Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) THE SYSTEM MUST BE INSPECTED 10 YEARS AFTER DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL, or if the "airbag" lamp does not go on during ignition, flashes intermittently, or remains on. Important Air Bag Precautions Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint system designed to work with the safety belts to help protect you and your right front seat passenger in the event of certain collisions described in section "How Does the Air Bag Supplemental System Work?" 146