SHEATH DOES NOT HOLD BUCKLE (ASSEMBLY FALLS ON FLOOR)

Subject: SHEATH DOES NOT HOLD BELT AND BUCKLE IN POSITION AND ASSEMBLY FALL TO FLOOR

Model and Year: 1987-91 G VANS

Owners of some 1987-1991 G Vans may experience a seat belt buckle cover cracking or splitting which allows the buckle assembly to fall to the floor. This condition may be corrected by replacing the buckle assembly portion of the seat belt assembly. The new buckle assembly covers are manufactured with a new forming process that prevents cracks and splits.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

1. On the driver's side only: disconnect the seat belt warning wire connector.

- The connector is located under the seat near the left-front of the seat riser.

- Attach a long wire or string to the connector to aid in the installation of the new buckle warning wire.

2. Remove the access plug by prying the plug from the cover with a small screwdriver.

3. Remove the bolt, washers, and buckle assembly (Figure 1).

Important: The wave washer is used in 1991 vehicles only.

4. On the driver's side only: thread the warning wire out of the seat riser and remove the string or wire from the connector. Make sure one end of the string or wire protrudes from the left front of the driver's side seat riser.

5. On the driver's side only: attach the string or wire to the connector of the new buckle assembly and using the string or wire, pull the seat belt warning wire through the seat riser.

6. On the driver's side only: connect the seat belt warning wire at the connector under the seat at the left front of the seat riser and remove the string or wire.

7. Install a new bolt (P/N 15672738 for 1991 vehicles and P/N 3929459 for 1990-1987 vehicles), flat washer (P/N 2499982), wave washer(P/N 14056708)(in 1991 vehicles only), and new buckle assembly (Figure 1)(see the SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION section for the correct part number). Be sure to align the metal tab on the buckle with the slot in the seat riser (Figure 1).

8. Torque the bolt to 50 N.m (37 lbs. ft.).

9. Install the access plug. A new plug will have to be painted to match the interior color.

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION

Description Part Number ----------- ----------- Buckle Assembly Driver's Passenger's Color -------- ----------- ----- 15681599 15681600 Cognac 15681601 15681602 Blue 15681603 15681604 Gray 15681605 15681606 Red 15681607 15681608 Black

Wave Washer 14056708 Flat Washer 2499982 Bolt (1991 Vehicles) 15672738 Bolt (1990 - 1987 Vehicles) 3929459

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For vehicles repaired under warranty use:

Labor Op. Description Labor Time --------- ----------- ---------- C9180 Belt Assembly, Safety Front - Replace (RH) 0.2 hrs C9181 Belt Assembly, Safety Front - Replace (LH) 0.2 hrs

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.