SHOULDER BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOP OPERATION (POLICE/TAXI) ONLY

SUBJECT: SHOULDER BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOP OPERATION WITH SECURITY BARRIER INSTALLATION

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1991-92 "B" CAR - POLICE/TAXI ONLY CHEVROLET CAPRICE

General Motors Engineering has discovered that security barrier installations in some 1991 or later Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles are restricting the free rotation of the shoulder belt upper guide loop about the anchor bolts which secure the guides to the vehicle center pillars. This restriction is caused by the security barrier upper support being installed between the center pillar trim molding and the shoulder belt upper guide loop, thereby using the designed-in clearance space intended to ensure free motion of the guide.

Most security barriers installed in law enforcement vehicles and in some taxi vehicles make use of the outboard front seat belt upper guide loop anchor bolt to support the upper portion of the barrier and to secure it to the vehicle center pillar ("B" post).

The guide loop, however, must be allowed to rotate freely so that the seat belt webbing will pass smoothly through the guide without restriction. If the guide loop rotation is restricted, the comfort of the belt system will decrease due to higher friction and increased pressure of the belt on the occupant. Proper retraction and belt stowage, when belt is unbuckled, will be negatively affected. Furthermore, in the event of a crash, the performance of the belt system may be compromised.

Security barrier manufacturers have been encouraged to review their designs to ensure that the barriers do not interfere with proper functions of the vehicle restraint systems which are regulated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Proper function of the vehicle restraint systems may become the responsibility of the security barrier manufacturer and/or installer as a vehicle altered under the Safety Act.

Law enforcement agencies and taxi companies are also encouraged to inspect any 1991 or 1992 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles which have security barriers installed, to ensure that the shoulder belt upper guide loops rotate freely and the seat belt webbing passes freely through the guide loop slot. If the restrictive condition is found to exist in any vehicle, it must be corrected. If necessary, the upper anchor bolt may be replaced with a 5 mm longer shoulder bolt, GM service P/N 15660233. It is extremely important to use this particular bolt because of the special strength and durability requirements specified for this safety component.

The bolt may be ordered through General Motors Service Parts Operation.

Since this bulletin deals with a condition that only results from an aftermarket installation, any charges associated with the installation of the longer bolt are not the responsibility of General Motors of Canada Ltd.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.