Front Seat Belt Buckles May Interfere With Door Panels (Relocate New Button on Webbing)

Some customers may comment that when exiting the vehicle, the front seat belt buckles are retained at such a height that the buckle may interfere with the seat and the door panel when closing the door. This tendency may cause eventual damage to the door panel.

The seat belt buckle may be retained by a plastic button on the seat belt webbing that is positioned too low.

Using the following procedure, remove the plastic seat belt buttons and relocate new buttons on the seat belt webbing.

Important: When removing the button, be careful not to snag any of the threads in the seat belt webbing.

1. Using a J 38778 trim tool or equivalent, carefully slide the tool between the seat belt webbing and the plastic retention button. With a twisting motion, apply force until the button detaches from the webbing.
2. Measure 18 cm (7 in) higher (toward the belt guide) on the seat belt webbing from the center point of the old button.
3. Centering the new button in the webbing, push the pointed half of the new button through the web, being careful not to snag any of the seat belt threads.
4. Apply the other half of the new seat belt button, wrap it in a cloth, and using pliers gently squeeze until the button halves snap together.
5. Repeat the above procedure for the other side front seat belt.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: