Mercury 2002 Cougar Owner's Manual page 93

Seating and Safety Restraints
Safety belt extension assembly
If the safety belt is too short when
fully extended, there is a 20 cm (8
inch) safety belt extension assembly
that can be added (part number
611C22). This assembly can be
obtained from your dealer at no
cost.
Use only extensions manufactured
by the same supplier as the safety
belt. Manufacturer identification is
located at the end of the webbing
on the label. Also, use the safety
belt extension only if the safety belt
is too short for you when fully
extended. Do not use extensions to
change the fit of the shoulder belt
across the torso.
Safety belt maintenance
Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure
there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt
assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder
belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if
equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped),
LATCH child seat tether anchors and lower anchors (if equipped), and
attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision.
Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles
involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor
and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and
continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety
belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
Due to the energy management feature on the front safety belts, the
safety belts must be replaced after any collision causing the deployment
of the front air bags.
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