GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inspection of Front Driver and Passenger Seats

Important: If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision for additional information.

Perform the following inspection of the front driver and passenger seat equipped with a feature called Electrical Tension Reducer (ETR) which is built within the seat belt retractor located on the driver and passenger front seat belts system along with seat belt buckle pretensioners.

  1. Sit in the driver seat and perform this inspection then repeat this inspection on the passenger seat.
  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.

Verify the proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled by turning ON the ignition with the engine OFF. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and Operation .

  1. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following conditions are met:
  2. • The seat belt webbing is seated flat in the guide slot.
    • The seat belt webbing does not bind.
  3. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
  4. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  5. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  6. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  7. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor. If the seat belt webbing will not retract, refer to Seat Belt Does Not Retract .
  8. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  9. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  10. Push the button on the buckle:
  11. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    •  Verify that the button returns to its original position.
  12. If the front seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly. Refer to Front Seat Belt Replacement .

Inspection of Rear Seats

Perform the following steps to inspect the left and right rear seat belts:

  1. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following conditions are met:
  2. • The seat belt webbing is seated flat in the guide slot.
    • The seat belt webbing does not bind.
  3. Verify that the seat belt buckle is accessible.
  4. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  5. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  6. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  7. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
  8. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  9. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  10. Push the button on the buckle:
  11. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    •  Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Perform the following steps to inspect the center rear seat belts:

  1. Verify that the center seat belts are accessible.
  2. Verify that the center seat belt retractor unit is securely attached.
  3. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  4. Verify that the seat belt buckle anchor bolts are secure.
  5. Fully extend the center seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  6. Allow the center seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
  7. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  8. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  9. Use a flat-bladed tool and push the release button on the center right seat belt anchor buckle.
  10. Push the release button on the center left seat belt buckle:
  11. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from both buckles.
    •  Verify that the buttons return to their original positions.

For information on removal of the rear seats cushions, refer to Rear Seat Cushion Replacement .

Emergency Locking Retractors

Caution: Perform this test in an area clear of other vehicles or obstructions. Do not conduct this test on the open road. A large, empty parking lot is suitable. Failure to observe this precaution may result in damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury.

  1. Fasten the seat belts, an assistant is needed when the retractor under test is not part of the driver seat belt.
  2. Accelerate the vehicle slowly to 16 km/h (10 mph) and apply the brakes firmly.
  3. Verify that the seat belt locks when braking firmly.
  4. Important: When performing this check , note the position the retractor is mounted.

    Some retractors are not mounted at a 0 degree inclination.

  5. If the belt does not lock, proceed with the following steps:
  6. 4.1. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly.
    4.2. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly.

    Object Number: 157277  Size: SH
    4.3. Ensure that the seat belt webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 15 degrees or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 45 degrees or more.
    4.4. If the rear seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly. Refer to the following procedures:
       •  Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Center Rear
       •  Rear Seat Belt Retractor Replacement