1997 FORD CONTOUR child seat

88
*
[SS03700(ALL)02/96]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning
light may come on and a chime may sound. SeeSafety Belt
Warning Light and Chimein theInstrumentationchapter.
*
[SS03800(ALL)02/96]
See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how
to properly use these safety belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for
Childrenin this chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
*
[SS03900(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and
the lap belt snug and low across the hips.
*
[SS04000(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety
belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one
tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the
shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear
the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it
around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use
a single belt for more than one person.
*
[SS04100(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and
attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified
technician after any collision. Safety belt assemblies not
in use during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
*
[SS04200(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the seatback in the
fully upright position.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
89
*
[SS04300(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap
while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot
protect the child from injury in a collision.
*
[SS04400(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen
the risk of the door coming open in a collision.
%*
[SS04500(ALL)02/96]
Combination Lap and Shoulder Belts
*
[SS04600(ALL)02/96]
While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and
shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake
hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap/shoulder belt locks and helps reduce
your forward movement.
*
[SS04700(ALL)01/96]
After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then
adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.
*
[SS04800(ALL)02/96]
Pull the combination lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so
that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and
chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist.
Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a
snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened
to the buckle by pulling on tongue.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
91
% [SS05400(ALL)12/95]
Dual Locking Mode Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor
[SS05500(ALL)12/95]
The front passenger seat and the rear outer seat combination lap
and shoulder belts are equipped with a dual locking mode
retractor on theshoulderbelt portion of the lap/shoulder belt.
This retractor can be switched from vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode to automatic locking mode by pulling
the belt webbing all of the way out of the retractor. The
retractor modes function as follows.
*
[SS05600(ALL)02/96]
Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode
[SS05700(ALL)12/95]
In this operating mode, the lap/shoulder belt retractor will
allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on
hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately
5 mph (8 km/h) or more.
%*
[SS05800(ALL)02/96]
Automatic locking mode
*
[SS05900(ALL)12/95]
This mode must be used when installing a child seat on the
front passenger seat and rear seats where dual locking retractors
are provided. To switch the retractor from the emergency
locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the
following steps:
*
[SS06000(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers should never be
placed in the front seats.
*
[SS06100(ALL)02/96]1.
Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.
*
[SS06200(ALL)12/95]2.
Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward
until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this
time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child
restraint mode).
*
[SS06300(ALL)12/95]3.
Allow the belt to retract. A clicking sound will be heard as
the belt retracts. This indicates that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

92
[SS06400(ALL)12/95]4.
Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove slack in the lap belt.
*
[SS06500(ALL)02/96]
NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder belt is unbuckled
and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking
mode. See the detailed instructions underSafety Seats
for Childrenin this chapter.
%*
[SS06600(ALL)01/96]
Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment
*
[SS06700(ALL)01/96]
Driver and right front passenger
[SS06800(ALL)12/95]
You can adjust the shoulder belt height to one of four (4)
positions.
*
[SS06900(ALL)12/95]
To adjust the belt down, push the release button (see figures 1
and 2). To adjust the belt up, slide the adjuster up. (You do not
have to push the release button.)
[SS07000(ALL)12/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0001183-C
Figure 1 Ð The shoulder belt height adjuster
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

98
*
[SS10301(ALL)03/96]
Children and Air Bags
*
[SS10401(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: For additional important safety information on the
proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats,
please read the entire Safety Restraints section in this
owner guide.
*
[SS10501(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to
follow these instructions may increase the risk of
personal injury in the event of a collision.
*
[SS10601(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured in the
rear seat.
%*
[SS10701(ALL)03/96]
How Does the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
Work?
*
[SS10801(ALL)04/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is designed to
activate when the vehicle is in a collision similar to hitting a
fixed barrier head on at 8-14 mph (13-23 km/h). The fact that
the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces
were not of the type sufficient to cause acitivation.
*
[SS10901(ALL)04/96]
If the vehicle is in a moderate or severe frontal collision, the
system is activated and the air bags inflate rapidly. After the air
bag inflates, it will quickly deflate. After the air bag
deployment, you may notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or
smell the burnt propellant. This is normal. The residue may
consist of cornstarch or talcum powder (which is used to
lubricate the air bag) or sodium compounds, such as sodium
carbonates (e.g. baking soda) that result from the combustion
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

100
*
[SS11801(ALL)03/96]
Determining if System Is Operational
*
[SS11901(ALL)03/96]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System uses a readiness
light and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. The
readiness light is in the instrument cluster. When you turn the
ignition key to ON, this light will illuminate for approximately
six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system
is operating normally. NOTE: Routine maintenance of the air
bag system is not required.
%*
[SS12001(ALL)03/96]
A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
*
[SS12101(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
*
[SS12201(ALL)03/96]
n
the readiness light will not light immediately after ignition is
turned on,
%*
[SS12301(ALL)12/95]
n
a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
*
[SS12401(ALL)03/96]
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Air
Bag Supplemental Restraint System serviced at your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system
may not function properly in the event of a collision.
*
[SS12501(ALL)03/96]
Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles
*
[SS12601(ALL)03/96]
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your
local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
%*
[SS13400(ALL)01/96]
Safety Restraints for Children
*
[SS13500(ALL)01/96]
In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety
restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle Ð
this generally includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less Ð you must
put them in safety seats that are made specially for children.
Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these
children. Check your local and state laws for specific
requirements.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

Seating and Safety Restraints
101
*
[SS13600(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap
while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot
protect the child from injury in a collision.
*
[SS13700(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from
shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.
*
[SS13800(ALL)01/96]
When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle.
Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions.
*
[SS13900(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions
included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If
you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the
child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.
*
[SS14000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that
has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a
small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.
*
[SS14100(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996

102
%*
[SS14200(ALL)01/96]
Safety Seats for Children
*
[SS14300(ALL)01/96]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
*
[SS14400(ALL)01/96]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps seeAttaching Safety Seats With
Tether Strapsin this chapter.
*
[SS14500(ALL)03/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag.
Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye.
Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must
never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove
compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air
bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit
with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most
rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or
infant seats.
%*
[SS14600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats move the
passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as
possible. Never secure rear-facing infant seats in the front
seat.
[SS14700(ALL)12/95]
THE FORCE OF THE RAPIDLY INFLATING PASSENGER AIR
BAG COULD PUSH THE TOP OF THE REAR-FACING SEAT
AGAINST THE VEHICLE SEATBACK, ARMRESTS OR
CONSOLE. REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS MUST ALWAYS
BE SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in serious injury.
File:06cdsso.ex
Update:Thu Sep 12 11:03:20 1996