2. To unfasten, push the release
button and remove the tongue from
the buckle.
Energy management retractors
Your vehicle has a seat belt system equipped with energy management
retractors at the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions.
An energy management retractor is a device which pays out webbing in a
controlled manner. This feature is designed to help further reduce the
risk of force-related injuries to the occupant.
Seat belt systems equipped with an energy management retractor must
be replaced if they were in use during a frontal collision which resulted
in deployment of the frontal air bags. Refer to theSafety belt
maintenancesection in this chapter.
Vehicle sensitive mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length
adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5
mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce
forward movement of the driver and passengers.
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic
locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.
This mode should be usedany timea child safety seat is installed in the
vehicle. Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in
the rear seat whenever possible. Refer toSafety restraints for children
orSafety seats for childrenlater in this chapter.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
90
Safety belt usage sensors
The driver and front outboard passenger safety belt buckles are
equipped with sensors that detect if the safety belts are fastened. The
sensors provide information to the Personal Safety System which can
then adapt the air bag deployment or safety belt pretensioner activation
based upon safety belt usage.
The Personal Safety System provides the most benefit to belted
occupants. The system monitors and tailors the air bag
deployment based upon safety belt usage. Failure to properly wear
your safety belt will increase your risk of injury.
Front safety belt height adjustment
Your vehicle has safety belt height
adjustments for the driver and front
passenger. Adjust the height of the
shoulder belt so the belt rests
across the middle of your shoulder.
To lower the shoulder belt height,
pull the control down and slide the
height adjuster down. To raise the
height of the shoulder belt, slide the
height adjuster up. To raise the
height of the shoulder belt from its
lowest position, pull the control down and slide the height adjuster up.
Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.
Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests
across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety
belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and
increase the risk of injury in a collision.
Lap belts
Adjusting the center front lap belt
The center front lap belt does not adjust automatically.
The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the
hips, not across the waist.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
93
