Safety Belt System Ford Taurus X I

Material

Material

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE

When replacing any active occupant restraint components, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts Catalog.

The active restraint system consists of the following

1. Front safety belt shoulder height adjusters
2. Front row safety belt buckle and pretensioners attached to the inboard side of the seats
3. Front row adaptive load limiting safety belt retractors located behind the lower B-pillar trim panels
4. Second row and third row outboard safety belt retractors located behind the quarter trim panels (Taurus X)
5. Second row 60/40 seat center safety belt retractor and LH safety belt buckle assembly integrated into the 60 percent seat back (Taurus X)
6. Rear center safety belt retractor attached to the parcel shelf sheet metal and safety belt buckle assembly attached to the floor pan under the rear seat cushion (Taurus, Sable)
7. Second row dual safety belt buckle assembly attached to the floor pan under the LH seat cushion (Taurus, Sable)
8. Second row safety belt buckle assembly attached to the seat frame (Taurus X)
9. Third row safety belt buckle assembly attached to the seat frame (Taurus X)
10. Lower anchors and tethers for children at all 3 rear seating positions, attached below the rear seat cushion (Taurus, Sable)
11. Lower anchors and tethers for children located at the second row outboard seating positions and third row RH seating position, all welded to the seat cushion frame (Taurus X)
12. The child safety seat tether anchors are welded to the parcel shelf sheet metal for all 3 rear seating positions (Taurus, Sable)
13. Child safety seat tether anchors located at the front passenger seating position, second row outboard seating positions and third row RH seating positions all welded to the seat cushion frame (Taurus X)

Safety Belt Retractors

The safety belt retractors consist of the following features

1. Energy management (front only)
2. Dual locking mode Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) (all except driver seat)
3. Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) (front passenger safety belt retractor only)

Energy Management

The safety belt buckle and pretensioners are equipped with an energy management feature designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner to help reduce the safety belt force acting on an occupant's chest when an impact occurs.

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

Every safety belt retractor is a 3-point restraint with the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) feature. The safety belt retractor is designed to allow the occupant freedom of movement in normal operation. The ELR is a vehicle-sensitive feature designed to activate and lock the safety belt webbing when braking hard, cornering hard or in an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR feature helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. Refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in Safety Belt System .

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is automatically activated when the safety belt webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the safety belt webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made indicating the safety belt retractor is in ALR mode and the safety belt webbing will not pull back out of the safety belt retractor. To disengage the ALR mode, allow the safety belt webbing to fully retract back onto the spool. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to extract and retract back into the retractor. Refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in Safety Belt System .

Belt Tension Sensor (BTS)

The Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) located at the safety belt anchor point is part of the passenger front safety belt and retractor assembly and is not serviced separately. The BTS operates as part of the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system. To diagnose the BTS, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

Safety Belt Buckles

The front seat safety belt buckles are attached to the front seat tracks and can be serviced separately.

The rear seat safety belt buckles are attached to the floor pan behind the rear seat cushion and can be serviced separately.

Safety Belt Buckle and Pretensioner

The safety belt buckle and pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing from the safety belt when deployed. The pretensioner works in conjunction with the front air bag system. When the front air bags deploy, the pretensioners deploy, causing the buckle to move downward, removing excess webbing from the lap and shoulder safety belts.

If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the front air bags and safety belt pretensioners, a new driver and passenger safety belt system (including safety belt buckle and pretensioners, safety belt retractors and height adjusters) must be installed.

For safety belt buckle pretensioner diagnostic or disposal information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.

Child Safety Seat Tether Anchors

On Taurus and Sable vehicles, the child safety seat tether anchors are a structural member of the parcel shelf sheet metal.

On Taurus X vehicles with a second row bench seat, the child safety seat tether anchors and lower anchors and tethers for children system is a structural member of the seat frame.

On Taurus X vehicles a with third row bench seat, the child safety seat tether anchors and lower anchors and tethers for children system is a structural member of the seat backrest frame.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children

The lower anchors and tethers for children system is a standardized and uniform attachment system for installing child safety seats in passenger seating locations. Lower anchors and tethers for children-equipped child safety seats have 2 lower attachments that connect to 2 attachment points (6-mm wires) that protrude from the bight-line between the seat cushion and seat backrest.

If any of the lower anchors and tethers for children attachment points (6-mm wires) are damaged, a new component(s) must be installed.

Safety Belt Warning System

The driver safety belt warning indicator illuminates and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts. To diagnose the safety belt warning system, refer to the Symptom Chart in Safety Belt System .

Belt-Minder®

The Belt-Minder® feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides an additional reminder to the driver that the driver and/or front passenger safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning indicator in the Instrument Cluster (IC). To diagnose the Belt-Minder® feature, refer to the Symptom Chart in Safety Belt System .

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the active restraint system to duplicate the condition.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply: VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Safety belt webbing integrity (torn, frayed, cut or stretched) Safety belt buckle and tongue assembly Safety belt retractor Wiring, terminal or connector Safety belt warning indicator burned out High speed controller area network (HS-CAN) concern
3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as required. With the exception of removing a twist from the safety belt webbing, do not attempt to repair a component of the safety belt system; new components must be installed.
4. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom. Go to «Symptom Chart»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .
5. To check the active restraint system for correct operation, carry out the appropriate Functional Test(s).

Symptom Chart

Symptom Chart

Component Test

Carry out the appropriate Functional Test(s) as determined in Inspection and Verification.

Functional Test - Buckle and Tongue

The safety belt buckle and tongue assembly must operate freely during the latching and unlatching function. Fasten the safety belt by inserting the tongue (male portion) into the buckle (female portion).

1. Verify the following during the latching sequence: Tongue insertion is not hindered by excessive effort. A "click" is heard when the buckle latches the tongue.
2. Verify the system integrity by forcefully pulling on the belt webbing.
3. Unlatch the belt by fully depressing the buckle release button, and allowing the belt to release and retract.
4. Verify the following during the unlatching process: Push-button depression does not require excessive effort. Tongue can be removed easily from the buckle. Repeat the above steps 3 times.
5. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as required. Do not attempt to carry out any repair on the buckle and tongue assembly. If a concern exists with either component, a new safety belt buckle and safety belt retractor assembly must be installed.

Functional Test - Retractor

The safety belt retractor assembly must be freely operational for extraction and retraction of the safety belt webbing between full extension and in-vehicle stowed positions.

1. Extract and retract the safety belt between the full extension and stowed positions.
2. Verify the retractor operates without excessive effort or binding.
3. Install a new safety belt retractor and buckle if no obvious concerns are noticed and the concern has been verified.

Functional Test - System Road Test Inspection

1. Fasten the safety belts and proceed to a safe area.
2. Attain a speed of 8 km/h (5 mph).
3. Test the safety belts. Grasp the shoulder harness and prepare to lean forward. WARNING: Apply maximum brake force only on dry concrete or equivalent hard surface, NEVER on wet pavement or gravel. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. WARNING: The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the safety belt retractor does not lock. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. NOTE: Do not jerk on the safety belt webbing when carrying out this test. Lean forward slightly when the brake application is made. Make a maximum brake application without a skid.
4. The safety belts should lock up with minimum webbing extension.
5. If there is a lockup of both shoulder straps, the safety belt assemblies are functioning correctly. Should either or both retractors fail to lock up at the 8 km/h (5 mph) speed, repeat the test at a constant 24 km/h (15 mph) speed. (This test must be carried out with a RH front or rear passenger if the RH front or rear safety belts are to be tested.)
6. If any retractors do not lock up at the 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return the vehicle for service of malfunctioning safety belts.

Functional Test - Automatic Locking Retractor

1. Position the seat back into the full up position.
2. Position the height adjuster (if equipped) in the full down or up position.
3. Latch the seat belt buckle and tongue assembly.
4. Pull the shoulder belt out until the ALR feature is activated.
5. Release the shoulder belt and allow it to retract until it stops.
6. Pull on the shoulder belt to check that the belt has remained in the ALR mode. If the belt is not locked, install a new safety belt assembly.
7. Unlatch the safety belt tongue from the buckle and allow the safety belt to retract to its stowed position.
8. Pull the shoulder belt to verify the retractor assembly has converted automatically out of the ALR mode. If the shoulder belt remains locked in the stowed position, install a new safety belt retractor assembly.

Safety Belt Cleaning

1. Clean the safety belt webbing only with a mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Follow the instructions provided with the soap.

Safety Belt Procedure After a Collision

1. Install the new safety belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Carry out the Functional Test Procedure. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Tongue Rotated on Belt

1. Fold the safety belt as indicated.
2. Pull the safety belt tongue over the fold in the safety belt.

Safety Belt Maintenance

1. The safety belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure that they have not become damaged and that they remain in correct operating condition, particularly if they have been subjected to severe stress.
2. Before installing the new safety belt assembly, the safety belt retaining areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the retaining points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be reworked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
3. Install the new safety belt(s) using the appropriate instructions. Carry out the Functional Test Procedure. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Shoulder Height Adjuster With Stripped Weld Nuts

1. Remove the B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
2. Use the half-inch drill with integral stop to drill out the damaged threads in the upper pillar structure.
3. Apply a suitable lubricant to the M14 x 1.5 tap with integral stop and tap new threads.
4. Use a threaded insert and screw it into the retapped hole until it is slightly below the surface.
5. Use a hammer to lightly tap the installation tool several times to seat the insert keys.
6. If the bolt(s) on the height adjuster is not stripped, reinstall the original safety belt shoulder height adjuster. If the bolt(s) is stripped, install a new safety belt shoulder height adjuster. For additional information, refer to the appropriate height adjuster procedure in this article.

Safety Belt Retractor - Front

Note. RH shown, LH similar.

Scheme 1

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Note. The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON.

Note. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

All front retractors

1. Position the seat to its most forward position.
2. Depower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures portion of «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) article.
3. Remove the lower B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
4. Remove the seat cushion side shield cover.
5. Remove the safety belt anchor nut. To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
6. Disconnect the Belt Tension Sensor (BTS) electrical connector and route the safety belt anchor and BTS electrical connector through the seat cushion trim cover.
7. Route the safety belt anchor through the seat cushion trim cover.
8. Remove the upper B-pillar trim panel. Remove the screw cover and screw and pull downward on the upper B-pillar trim panel and remove.
9. Remove the secondary safety belt guide from the B-pillar.
10. Remove the D-ring bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
11. Position aside the scuff plate trim panel and remove the safety belt retractor bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
12. Remove the safety belt retractor. Unhook the safety belt retractor. Disconnect the safety belt retractor electrical connector.
13. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
14. Repower the SRS. Refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures portion of «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system) article.
15. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Scheme 2

1. Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Remove the center safety belt retractor anchor nut. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
3. Remove the parcel shelf. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
4. Remove the bolt and center safety belt retractor. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
6. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Scheme 3

1. Remove the LH and RH head restraints.
2. Squeeze the opening together and remove the outer safety belt trim guide.
3. Position the 60 percent seat to the fold flat position.
4. Place the seat in the E-Z entry position.
5. From under the seat, release 3 sets of cushion trim cover J-clips.
6. From under the seat, release the J-clip at the inboard side of the cushion frame.
7. Pull the cushion trim cover outboard retainer out from between the riser and the cushion frame.
8. Remove the cushion foam pad and cushion trim cover.
9. Remove the bolt and separate the safety belt anchor and buckle from the inboard recliner. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
10. Release the 2 backrest trim cover lower J-clips.
11. Release the 4 backrest trim cover inside J-clips-to-hard back panel.
12. Release the hook-and-loop strips, invert the trim cover and remove the 3 rows of hog rings.
13. Release the hook-and-loop strips, invert the trim cover to the top of the backrest.
14. Remove the 5 screws and hard back panel.
15. Squeeze the tabs and remove the 4 head restraint guides.
16. Feed the safety belt through and remove the backrest trim cover foam pad.
17. Remove 3 bolts and safety belt retractor.
18. To install, reverse the removal procedure. When installing the safety belt retractor, position the safety belt retractor through the backrest frame. To install, tighten the M10 bolt to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft). When installing the inner safety belt guide, position it into the backrest frame slot. To install, tighten the 2 M8 bolts to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).
19. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Retractor - Rear, Outboard, Taurus, Sable

Note. LH shown, RH similar.

Scheme 4

1. Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Remove the rear seat bolster. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
3. Remove the outboard safety belt anchor bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
4. Remove the upper and lower C-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
5. Remove the bolt and outboard safety belt retractor. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
7. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Retractor - Second Row, Outboard, Taurus X

Note. LH shown, RH similar.

Scheme 5

Note. Vehicle with auxiliary climate control shown, vehicle without auxiliary climate control similar.

All retractors

1. Remove the rear quarter trim panel. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
2. Remove the safety belt anchor bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
3. Remove the C-pillar trim panel.
4. Remove the safety belt D-ring bolt. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
5. From beneath the vehicle on the LH side, remove the 2 auxiliary climate control floor pan bracket nuts. To install, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
6. Remove the 2 auxiliary climate control duct pin-type retainers and detach the auxiliary climate control ducts.
7. Remove the 3 auxiliary climate control housing bolts. To install, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
8. Carefully position aside the auxiliary A/C unit.
9. Remove the bolt and safety belt retractor. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
10. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
11. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Retractor - Third Row, Outboard, Taurus X

Note. LH shown, RH similar.

Scheme 6

Note. Vehicle with auxiliary climate control shown, vehicle without auxiliary climate control similar.

1. Remove the rear quarter trim panel. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
2. Remove the D-pillar trim panel.
3. Remove the D-ring bolt. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
4. Remove the secondary safety belt guide from the D-pillar.
5. Remove the bolt and safety belt retractor. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
7. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Shoulder Height Adjuster

Note. LH shown, RH similar.

Scheme 7

1. Remove the lower B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to «INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-and-ornamentation) article.
2. Lower the upper B-pillar trim panel from the headliner. Remove the screw cover and screw at the top of the upper B-pillar trim panel. Pull the bottom of the B-pillar trim panel to release the lower retainer clips. Lower the upper B-pillar trim panel.
3. Remove the bolt and position the D-ring aside. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
4. Remove the safety belt shoulder height adjuster. Remove the bolt. To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft). Rotate the safety belt shoulder height adjuster and unhook it from the B-pillar. Remove the safety belt shoulder height adjuster.
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
6. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Note. LH shown, RH similar.

Scheme 8

Note. The air bag warning indicator illuminates when the correct Restraints Control Module (RCM) fuse is removed and the ignition switch is ON.

Note. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) must be fully operational and free of faults before releasing the vehicle to the customer.

1. Remove the seat. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector and detach the wiring harness pin-type retainer.
3. Remove the safety belt buckle pretensioner. Remove the nut. To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Route the wiring harness from the seat track and cushion frame. Remove the safety belt buckle pretensioner.
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
5. Install the seat. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
6. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Buckle - Second Row, Taurus X

Note. 40 percent shown, 60 percent similar.

Note. RH shown, LH similar.

Scheme 9

1. Place the seat in the E-Z entry position.
2. Remove the outboard pivot cover.
3. Remove the bolt and safety belt buckle. To install, tighten to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft).
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
5. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Scheme 10

Note. The RH safety belt buckle is a part of the center safety belt retractor assembly and is not serviced separately. To remove the RH safety belt buckle, refer to Safety Belt Retractor - Rear, Center, Taurus, Sable .

1. Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Remove the nut and LH center safety belt buckle assembly. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Buckle - Third Row, Bench

Note. RH shown, LH similar.

Scheme 11

1. Remove the third row bench seat. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Remove the third row seat backrest. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
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. 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. 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. 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»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Safety Belt Buckle - Third Row, 50 Percent

Note. RH shown, LH similar.

Scheme 12

1. Remove the LH outboard pivot seat side cover.
2. Remove the RH outboard pivot seat side cover.
3. Position the LH seat in the fold flat and vertical position.
4. Remove the bolt and RH safety belt buckle. To install, tighten to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft).
5. To install reverse the removal procedure.
6. Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Functional Test procedure in «Safety Belt System»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/restraints-control-systems/#safety-belt-system) .

Scheme 13

1. Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to «SEATING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/seats/#seat-system) article.
2. Remove the 2 nuts and the affected lower anchors and tethers for children. To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

See also:
• SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), MESSAGE CENTER, AND WARNING CHIMES
• INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION
• SEATING
• Safety Belt System