Ford Explorer: Seatbelt Systems / Description and Operation - Seatbelt Systems - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

All retractors have an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode, which is a vehicle-sensitive feature designed to activate and lock the seatbelt webbing during hard braking, cornering, or an impact of approximately 24 km/h (15 mph). The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) feature helps reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. For testing, see Functional Test - Seatbelt Retractor, Road Test Inspection.
Refer to: Seatbelt Systems (501-20A Seatbelt Systems, Diagnosis and Testing).

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode is used when locking a child seat in any passenger seating position. The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode automatically activates when the seatbelt webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the seatbelt webbing retracts back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made, indicating the seatbelt retractor is in Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode and the seatbelt webbing cannot pull back out of the seatbelt retractor. The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode disengages when the webbing is allowed to fully retract back into the retractor. For testing, see Functional Test - Seatbelt Retractor, Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode.
Refer to: Seatbelt Systems (501-20A Seatbelt Systems, Diagnosis and Testing).

Seatbelt Warning Chime and Indicator

For seatbelt warning chime and indicator operation,
Refer to: Warning Chimes - System Operation and Component Description (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Description and Operation).

To diagnose the seatbelt warning chime and indicator,
Refer to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Diagnosis and Testing).

Belt-Minder®

For Belt-Minder® operation,
Refer to: Warning Chimes - System Operation and Component Description (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Description and Operation).

To diagnose the Belt-Minder® feature,
Refer to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, Diagnosis and Testing).

To activate or deactivate the Belt-Minder® feature,
Refer to: Seatbelt Minder Deactivating/Activating (413-01 Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes, General Procedures).

Component Description

Child Safety Seat Tether Anchor

Child safety seat tether anchors are provided at all second and third row seat positions. They are part of the seat backrest frame and cannot be serviced separately. Install a new backrest frame.

If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the child safety seat tether anchor and mounting areas and restore the vehicle to the original production configuration.

Child Safety Seat Tether Anchor - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) are located at the second row outboard seating positions and at both third row seating positions. For second row seating, they are part of the seat cushion frame. For third row, they are part of the seat backrest frame. LATCH cannot be serviced separately. Install a new seat cushion frame or seat backrest frame.

If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the LATCH and restore the vehicle to the original production configuration.