GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

Perform the following inspection of the driver and passenger seat:

  1. Ignition ON. Verify proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and Operation in Seat Belts.
  2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to make sure that the following conditions are met:
  3. • The seat belt webbing is seated flat in the guide slot.
    • The seat belt webbing does not bind.
  4. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
  5. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  6. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  7. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  8. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
  9. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  10. 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.
  11. Push the button on the buckle.
  12. • 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 left and right seat belts:

  1. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to make sure 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 centre rear seat belts:

  1. Verify that the centre seat belts are accessible.
  2. Verify that the centre 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 centre seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  6. Allow the centre 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. • 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 in Seats.

Emergency Locking Retractors

  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 and apply the brakes firmly.
  3. Verify that the seat belt locks when braking firmly.
  4. If the belt does not lock, proceed with the following steps.
  5. Important: When performing this check , note the position the retractor is mounted.


    Object Number: 1959874  Size: SH
    4.1. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly.
    4.2. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly.
    4.3. Make sure that the seat belt webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an inclination from the vehicle position of 15 degrees or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 30 degrees or more.
    4.4. If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly. Refer to the following procedures:
       •  Front Seat Belt Replacement in Seat Belts
       •  Rear Seat Belt Replacement in Seat Belts
       •  Seat Belt Replacement - Center Rearin Seat Belts