Ford Fiesta: Seatbelt Systems / Seatbelt Systems. Diagnosis and Testing

Symptom Chart(s)

Preliminary Inspection

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Before diagnosing or repairing the seatbelt system, inspect the following items:

• Seatbelt webbing integrity (torn, frayed, cut or stretched)
• Seatbelt buckle and tongue assembly

Symptom Chart: Seatbelt System

  Symptom Chart

Functional Test - Seatbelt Buckle and Tongue

NOTE: Make sure the seatbelt buckle and tongue assembly operate freely during the latching and unlatching function. Fasten the seatbelt by inserting the tongue (male portion) into the buckle (female portion).

1. Verify the following during the latching sequence:
   

• Tongue insertion does not require excessive effort.
• A click is heard when the seatbelt buckle latches the tongue.

1. Verify the system integrity by forcefully pulling on the seatbelt webbing.
   

1. Unlatch the seatbelt by fully pressing the seatbelt buckle release button and allowing the seatbelt to release and retract.
   

1. Verify the following during the unlatching process:
   

• Pressing the push button does not require excessive effort.
• The tongue can be removed easily from the buckle.

1. Repeat the above steps 3 times.
   

1. If the functional test reveals a concern(s), install a new seatbelt buckle or seatbelt retractor as required.
   

Functional Test - Seatbelt Retractor

NOTE: Make sure the seatbelt retractor is freely operational for extraction and retraction of the seatbelt webbing between full extension and in-vehicle stowed positions.

1. Extract and retract the seatbelt between the full extension and stowed positions.
   

1. Verify the seatbelt retractor operates without excessive effort or binding.
   

1. Install a new seatbelt retractor if any concern is found or the complaint has been verified.
   

Functional Test - Seatbelt Retractor, Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode

1. Position the seat backrest fully upright (if adjustable).
   

1. Position the seatbelt shoulder height adjuster (if equipped) in the full down or up position.
   

1. Fasten the seatbelt.
   

1. Pull out the seatbelt webbing until the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature is activated.
   

1. Allow the seatbelt webbing to retract until it stops.
   

1. Pull on the seatbelt webbing to make sure the seatbelt retractor has remained in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. If the seatbelt retractor is not locked, install a new seatbelt retractor.
   

1. Unfasten the seatbelt and allow the seatbelt webbing to retract to its stowed position.
   

1. Pull out and retract the seatbelt webbing to verify the seatbelt retractor has converted automatically out of Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. If the seatbelt retractor remains locked in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode, install a new seatbelt retractor.
   

Functional Test - Seatbelt Retractor, Road Test Inspection

NOTE: Make sure there is no excessive slack in the seatbelt webbing across the torso during testing.

NOTE: Do not jerk on the seatbelt webbing when carrying out this test.

1. Fasten the seatbelts and proceed to a safe area.
   

1. Reach a speed of 24 km/h (14.9 mph).
   

  WARNING: Apply maximum brake force only on dry concrete or equivalent hard surface, never on wet pavement or gravel. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

1. Grasp the shoulder harness, lean forward and apply the brakes, making a maximum braking application without a skid.
   

1. The seatbelts should lock up with minimum webbing extension.
   

1. If there is a lockup of all seatbelt retractors being tested, the seatbelt retractors are functioning correctly. If any seatbelt retractor fails to lock up, install a new seatbelt retractor(s).