GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Driver Seat Belt Warning

Caution: Refer to Seat Belt Replacement Caution in the Preface section.

The driver safety belt incorporates a safety belt reminder light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver if the safety belt is not fastened when the ignition is turned ON.

Three-Point Pretensioner Front Seat Belt - w/Europe Only

The pretensioner front seat belt is optional. It contains a electrically-controlled pyrotechnical retractor, which reduces seat belt slack when it is activated in a head-on or angled front collision. The pretensioner front seat belt must be replaced after an accident that causes its activation.

Three-Point WLR Front Seat Belt

The 3-point web locking retractor (WLR) seat belt will limit the movement of the driver and offer better protection in an accident.

Three-Point ELR Front Seat Belt

Caution: Refer to SIR Seatbelt Pretensioner Handling Caution in the Preface section.

The 3-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) front seat belt is always unlocked, allowing the passenger freedom of movement, except in emergencies such as rapid deceleration, rapid acceleration, or hard cornering maneuvers.

Three-Point ELR Rear Outboard and Center Seat Belt

The rear outboard and center seating positions use the 3-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belts. The 3-point ELR seat belt is always unlocked, allowing the passenger freedom of movement, except in emergencies such as rapid deceleration, rapid acceleration, or hard cornering maneuvers.

Two-Point Lap Rear Center Seat Belt

The 2-point lap rear center seat belt is a single continuous length of webbing. The webbing is routed from the anchor through a latch plate and into a single retractor.

Operational and Functional Checks

Caution: Refer to Seat Belt Replacement Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: The following precautions must be observed to avoid damage to the seat belt system. If these precautions are not taken, the seat belt system may not provide proper restraint in the unlikely event of an accident and may result in personal injury.

   • Keep any sharp and potentially damaging objects away from the belts.
   • Avoid bending or damaging any portion of the buckle.
   • Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing (use only mild soap and water).
   • When installing the seat belt anchor bolts, start bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
   • Do not attempt any repairs on the retractor mechanisms or the covers. Replace defective assemblies with new ones.
   • Replace any belts that are cut or damaged in any way.
   • Do not install anything in the trim panel, or between the trim and the height adjuster and/or the turning loop that will obstruct the movement of the seat belt.

  1. Inspect all seat belt anchor bolts and the screws in order to verify that they are secure.
  2. Inspect the seat belt buckle. The buckle must lock and unlock easily.
  3. After inserting the latch into the buckle, tug sharply on the belt. The buckle must remain locked.
  4. Fully extend the shoulder belt portion to make sure that there is no twisting or tears in the belt.
  5. Let the shoulder belt retract fully. The belt should retract easily.