GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2005 🢒 STS 🢒 Restraints 🢒 Seat Belts 🢒 Seat Belt Retractor Inoperative

Circuit Description

The seat belts found on this vehicle have a feature called Electrical Tension Reducer (ETR) which is a 2-wire circuit built within the seat belt retractor located on the driver and passenger front seat belts system that reduces the seat belt tension and improves occupant comfort. When the vehicle ignition is turned ON and the seat belt is buckled, the ETR built within the seat belt retractor provides a more comfortable seat belt by pulling the webbing slightly, or lean forward and then sit back. The belt will retract and rest lightly against the occupant. When the seat belt is unbuckled or the vehicle is turned OFF, the ETR is deactivated providing an increase in seat belt tension to provide quick and full retraction of the seat belt.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction. If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Seat Belt Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Seat Belt Connector End Views

1

Did you review the Seat Belt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Seat Belt System Description and Operation

2
  1. Sit in the driver or passenger seat with the malfunction.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Buckle the seat belt.
  4. Pull the seat belt, then let the seat belt rest against you. The seat belt should be loose against you.

Does the seat belt system operate properly?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Test the voltage side of Ignition 3 fuse in the left rear fuse block for battery voltage.

Does the voltage measure within the supply battery voltage?

Go to Step 4

Go to Circuit Testing

in Wiring Systems

4
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the center pillar trim. Refer to Center Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  3. Disconnect the seat belt retractor 2-way connector.
  4. Test the seat belt retractor voltage circuit between the ignition 3 fuse and the seat belt retractor for a short or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Buckle the seat belt on the side with the malfunction.
  2. Test the seat belt retractor ground circuit between the seat belt retractor and a good ground for an open or a high resistance.

Does the seat belt retractor ground circuit indicate a good ground?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Test the seat belt retractor ground circuit between the seat belt retractor and the seat belt switch for an open or high resistance.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Test the seat belt retractor ground circuit between the seat belt switch connector to ground for an open or high resistance.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the seat belt retractor on the side with the malfunction. Refer to Front Seat Belt Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the seat belt switch on the side with the malfunction. The seat belt switch is part of the seat belt buckle pretensioner. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Pretensioner Replacement in SIR.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Connect all components.
  2. Review the seat belt circuit description.

Does the seat belt system operate as describe?

System OK

Go to Step 2