Ford Fiesta (6th generation): Replacing the driver's front seat belt retractor with pretensioner

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

• Torx and hex socket set
• torque wrench (for 14 and 40 N·m (10 and 30 lb-ft))
• plastic trim removal tools
• battery terminal wrench
• diagnostic scanner with SRS reading capability

1. Turn off the engine and remove the key. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least one minute so the SRS backup power supply discharges. Do not touch SRS connectors with the ignition on.
2. Remove the trim and pillar covers around the belt: the lower B-pillar (center pillar) cover, and if necessary the sill (door threshold) trim and the upper pillar cover. Pry the plastic clips carefully with a trim tool. If clips stay in the body, move them to the trim panels so you do not damage the trim during installation.
3. Inspect the belt's D-ring cover. If it is damaged, replace it.
4. Remove the upper D-ring (belt guide) bolt on the pillar and take the belt off the ring. Tightening torque on installation: 40 N·m (30 lb-ft).
5. Disconnect the pretensioner electrical connector on the retractor. Do not pull on the red locking button. Press it and remove the connector by its housing, otherwise the button will break.
6. Remove the lower bolt that secures the retractor to the body and the bolt that secures the belt itself or the buckle tongue (depending on the version). The specified tightening torques are 14 N·m (10 lb-ft) and 40 N·m (30 lb-ft). Which bolt takes which torque depends on the assembly: tighten the retractor bolt and the lower belt anchor to 40 N·m (30 lb-ft), and all other fasteners to 14 N·m (10 lb-ft), unless they are marked otherwise.
7. Remove the retractor with the pretensioner from the body. Do not drop, strike or heat it. Do not open the old assembly or throw it out with ordinary trash, because the pretensioner is pyrotechnic. Take it to a repair shop or a disposal facility.
8. Install the new belt in reverse order. Make sure the webbing is not twisted and the buckles are accessible to passengers. Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench: 40 N·m (30 lb-ft) on the main mounting points and 14 N·m (10 lb-ft) on those listed above.
9. Connect the pretensioner connector until it clicks. Install the pillar covers and clips.
10. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition on and make sure the SRS warning light comes on and then goes out after a few seconds. If the light stays on, read the codes with a scanner that has SRS capability and clear them after fixing the cause.
11. Check the belt: pull the webbing out smoothly; it should extend and retract without snagging. Pull the webbing sharply; the mechanism should lock. Check the buckle: the tongue should latch and release with a positive click.

• The pretensioner contains a pyrotechnic charge
• Do not use a multimeter on its contacts and do not apply power to the connector
• Work only with the battery disconnected
• If the vehicle has been in a collision and the belt has deployed, replace the belt assembly and check the SRS
• If the SRS light does not go out after replacement, the system needs diagnosis at a repair shop
• Do not drive the vehicle with a faulty belt
• If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have an SRS scanner, take the car to a repair shop