FORD 2003 Escape v.3 - Manual (Page 89)

BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the
seat belt assembly “automatic locking retractor” feature or any
other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked
according to the procedures in Workshop Manual. Failure to replace the
Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Front safety belt height adjustment
Adjust the height of the shoulder
belt so the belt rests across the
middle of your shoulder.
To adjust the shoulder belt height,
push the button and slide the height
adjuster up or down. Release the
button and pull down on the height
adjuster to make sure it is locked in
place.
Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests
across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety
belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and
increase the risk of injury in a collision.
Safety belt pretensioner
Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and
front passenger seating positions.
The safety belt pretensioners are designed to activate during certain frontal
or near-frontal collisions with sufficient longitudinal deceleration. A safety
belt pretensioner is a device which tightens the webbing of the lap and
shoulder belts in such a way that they fit more snugly against the body.
The driver and front outboard passenger safety belt system (including
retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is
involved in a collision that results in the activation of the safety belt
pretensioners. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter.
Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above
conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of
a collision.
Seating and Safety Restraints
89