Safety Belt System

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR PRETENSIONER SYSTEM

All Thunderbirds have a pretensioner system in the front safety belt retractors. This works in conjunction with the front air bag system mounted in the steering wheel and instrument panel.

When the pretensioner in the retractor deploys, the retractor spool rotates. The rotating spool action removes excess webbing from the safety belt assembly, tightening the webbing around the occupant.

If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the safety belt pretensioners, the driver and passenger safety belt system (including safety belt retractor pretensioners, safety belt buckles, and height adjusters), must be replaced.

For retractor pretensioner diagnostic information refer to Air Bag Systems.
For retractor pretensioner disposal information, refer to Air Bag Systems.