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Removal And Installation

WARNING: After any crash, all of the following safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware must be inspected by an authorized dealer to verify correct function:
  • Retractors
  • Buckles
  • Belt tension sensor (BTS) (if equipped)
  • Front safety belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped)
  • Safety belt shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped)
  • Child safety seat tether bracket assemblies
  • Automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature for child safety seats (passenger seating positions only)

If any safety belt assembly is damaged, does not operate correctly or does not pass all of the Functional Tests in the Diagnosis and Testing portion of this article, a new safety belt assembly must be installed. If any safety belt assembly attaching areas are damaged or distorted, the sheet metal must be restored to its original structural integrity and new safety belt assembly and attaching hardware must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

After any crash that results in deployment of the driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt pretensioners, new driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt systems (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt systems increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

  1. Remove the third row bench seat. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
  2. Remove the third row seat backrest. For additional information, refer to SEATING article.
    3. NOTE: If damaged when removed, install new plastic rivets.
  3. Remove the 2 rivets and pull the cushion handle out of the pocket.
    • Using an appropriate tool, from under the rivet head, pry the rivet up.
      • When removing the plastic rivet, make sure not to get under the insert or the rivet will not come out.
    • Another method that can be used to remove the plastic rivets is to drive a screw partially into the rivet head and pull the screw and rivet head out. This will require new plastic rivets to be installed.
    4. Fig 1: Identifying Plastic Rivet
    GF0016456Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Separate the pivot release cable and casing and remove the pivot release handle.
  5. Remove the 2 screws on each side at the bottom of the load floor panel.
  6. Pull out to release the retainers and remove the load floor panel.
    • Use a suitable trim retainer tool to disengage the load floor from the seat.
  7. Remove the screw, release the tab and remove the LH floor latch cover.
  8. Remove the screw, release the tab and remove the RH floor latch cover.
  9. Release the cushion trim cover retainers from the cushion frame and remove the trim cover and foam pad.
    • On assembly, the lower anchors and tethers for children and child safety seat tether anchor must be accessible through the trim cover.
    10. Fig 2: Identifying Cushion Trim Cover Retainers
    GF0016457Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Remove the 8 cushion frame-to-pivot tube assembly bolts.
    • To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
  11. Remove the cushion frame joining bracket and cushion frame.
  12. Remove the bolt and the affected safety belt buckle.
    • To install, tighten to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft).
    13. NOTE: Make sure the anti-rotation tab is in place before tightening fastener.
  13. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
  14. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in Safety Belt System .
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