Product Safety - Seat Belt Locking Fracture

General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks and utilities. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the 2nd and 3rd row outboard seat belt retractor that may be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could propagate to the point where the seat belt would no longer lock. In a vehicle crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.

The second and/or third row outboard seat belts are to be inspected for the suspect lot numbers and replaced if found. Since the inspection is a visual inspection, and to reduce customer inconvenience, customers will be sent an inspection procedure with instructions to contact their dealer if a seat belt with the suspect lot number is found. However, if they desire, they can take their vehicle to their dealer for the inspection.

Involved are certain 2001 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks and utilities built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC Only) before beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

Determine the type of vehicle and the seat belt locations, and then proceed to the appropriate procedure.

Model: Extended Cab Pickup

Seat Belt Locations: Second Row, Left and Right Seat Belt Retractors Only (Center Position Not Required)

1. Open the rear side doors and inspect the "Lot Number" (1) on the tags located on the 2nd row, left and right seat belt webbing material.

•	If the lot number on the tag MATCHES one of those listed below, proceed to Step 2.

•	If neither the left or right lot numbers appear below, proceed to Step 30 of this procedure and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

-

3940020

-

3940021

-

3940026

-

3950020

-

3950021

-

3950023

-

3950026

-

3950027

-

3960011

Important: The following steps are only to be used if replacement of the left, the right or both seat belt retractors is necessary.

2. Fold the rear seat cushion to the upright position.
3. Remove the cover from the left side seat support.
4. Remove the two nuts attaching the left side seat support to the floor.
5. Remove the two nuts attaching the right side seat support to the floor.

Important: Removal of the lug wrench kit as described in the next step will improve access to the nut attaching the anchor cable to the floor in Step 7.

6. Remove the nut securing the lug wrench to the floor and remove the lug wrench kit.
7. Remove the nut attaching the center anchor cable to the floor.
8. Reposition the rear seat to access the 1/4 trim panel over the retractor.
9. Remove the seat belt lower anchor bolt.
10. Remove the shoulder belt cover and remove the shoulder belt bolt.
11. Loosen and reposition the carpet retainer (sill plate).
12. Remove the seat belt guide from the rear side trim panel.
13. Remove the rear side trim panel.
14. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the panel.
15. Remove the retractor attaching bolt and remove the retractor.
16. Install the new retractor to the body and install the attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

17. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the trim panel.
18. Install the rear side trim panel.
19. Install the seat belt guide to the rear side trim panel.
20. Reposition and install the carpet retainer.
21. Install the shoulder belt bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

22. Install the shoulder belt bolt cover.
23. Install the seat belt lower anchor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

24. Latch the seat belt to the buckle and verify proper seat belt retractor operation.
25. If it is necessary to replace the other seat belt retractor, do so at this time following Steps 9 through 24.
26. Reposition the rear seat supports and anchor cable on the studs in the floor and install the nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

27. Install the lug wrench kit and hand tighten the nut.
28. Route the rear seat belt buckles through the opening in the rear seat and fold the seat down.
29. Install the cover on the left and/or right side seat support.
30. Open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Model: Tahoe or Yukon (WITHOUT 3rd Row Removable Split Bench Seat)

For vehicles with a 3rd row seat, refer to the appropriate procedure.

Seat Belt Locations: Second Row, Left and/or Right Seat Belt Retractors Only (Center Position Not Required)

1. Open the rear side doors and inspect the "Lot Number" (1) on the tags located on the 2nd row, left and/or right seat belt webbing material (refer to the inspection chart).

•	If the lot number on the tag MATCHES one of those listed below, proceed to Step 2.

•	If neither the left or right lot numbers appear below, proceed to Step 20 of this procedure and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

-

3940020

-

3940021

-

3940026

-

3950020

-

3950021

-

3950023

-

3950026

-

3950027

-

3960011

Important: The following steps are only to be used if replacement of the left, the right or both seat belt retractors is necessary.

2. Remove the seat belt lower anchor bolt.
3. Remove the door opening carpet retainer (sill plate).
4. Remove the cargo shade, if equipped.
5. Remove the screw from the cargo shade holder opening in the "C" pillar trim panel and remove the panel.

Important: It is not necessary to remove the complete 1/4 trim panel to access the seat belt retractor in the next step.

6. Loosen the rear 1/4 trim panel and reposition as necessary to access the seat belt retractor.
7. Remove the shoulder belt attaching bolt.
8. Remove the retractor attaching bolt.
9. Remove the plastic guide from the body and remove the retractor.
10. Position the new retractor and install the plastic guide in the body.
11. Install the retractor attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

12. Install the shoulder belt attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

13. Reposition the rear 1/4 trim panel.
14. Install the "C" pillar trim panel and install the screw.

Tighten
Tighten the screw to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

15. Install the cargo shade, if equipped.
16. Install the door opening carpet retainer.
17. Install the seat belt lower anchor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

18. Latch the seat belt to the buckle and verify proper seat belt retractor operation.
19. If it is necessary to replace the other seat belt retractor, do so at this time following Steps 2 through 18.
20. Open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Model: Tahoe or Yukon (WITH 3rd Row Removable Split Bench Seat)

For vehicles without a 3rd row seat, refer to the appropriate procedure.

Seat Belt Locations: Second Row & Third Row, Left and Right Seat Belt Retractors (Center Position Not Required)

Open the rear side doors and inspect the "Lot Number" (1) on the tags located on the 2nd and 3rd row, left and/or right seat belt webbing material (refer to the inspection chart).

Important: The following steps are ONLY to be used if replacement of the left, the right or both seat belt retractors is required in the 2nd row. Information on replacing a 3rd row retractor can be found following these 2nd row procedures.

2nd Row Seat Belt Retractor Replacement, If Required

1. Remove the seat belt lower anchor bolt.
2. Remove the door opening carpet retainer (sill plate).
3. Remove the cargo shade, if equipped.
4. Remove the screw from the cargo shade holder opening in the "C" pillar trim panel and remove the panel.

Important: It is not necessary to remove the complete 1/4 trim panel to access the seat belt retractor in the next step.

Important: If the vehicle is equipped with a 3rd row split bench seat, remove the appropriate seat half to improve access to the rear 1/4 trim panel in the next step.

5. Loosen the rear 1/4 trim panel and reposition as necessary to access the seat belt retractor.
6. Remove the shoulder belt attaching bolt.
7. Remove the retractor attaching bolt.
8. Remove the plastic guide from the body and remove the retractor.
9. Position the new retractor and install the plastic guide in the body.
10. Install the retractor attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

11. Install the shoulder belt attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

12. Reposition the rear 1/4 trim panel.
13. Install the "C" pillar trim panel and install the screw.

Tighten
Tighten the screw to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

14. Install the cargo shade, if equipped.
15. Install the door opening carpet retainer.
16. Install the seat belt lower anchor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

17. Latch the seat belt to the buckle and verify proper seat belt retractor operation.
18. If it is necessary to replace the other seat belt retractor, do so at this time following Steps 1 through 17.
19. If a 3rd row split bench seat was removed earlier, and it does NOT require any seat belt retractor replacements, reinstall it as this time. If it does require retractor replacement, or if the other half of the 3rd row split bench seat does, proceed to the next section titled "3rd Row Seat Belt Retractor Replacement, If Required."
20. If no seat belt retractors require replacement in the 3rd row, open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

3rd Row Seat Belt Retractor Replacement, If Required

Important: The following steps are ONLY to be used if replacement of the left, the right, or both seat belt retractors is required in the 3rd row split bench seat.

1. If not already removed earlier, from the rear of the vehicle remove the 3rd row seat half that requires seat belt retractor replacement.
2. Release the J-strip at the bottom of the seat back and release the hook and loop fasteners.
3. Remove the headrest.
4. Reaching up inside the seat back, release and remove the headrest retainers.
5. Remove the seat belt guide from the side of the seat back.
6. Manually rotate the center latch to the latched position to release the seat back.
7. Remove the shoulder belt bezel from the retractor tower.
8. To access the lower seat belt anchor bolt, remove the 2 screws attaching the side cover to the seat cushion frame.
9. Unsnap the outer half of the side cover from the inner half and remove.
10. Remove the seat belt lower anchor bolt.
11. Remove the seat back cover to access the retractor.
12. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the seat back cover.
13. Remove the 3 screws attaching the retractor tower cover and remove the cover.
14. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the retractor cover.
15. Remove the bolt attaching the retractor to the seat frame and remove the retractor.
16. Install the new retractor on the seat frame and install the attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

17. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the retractor cover.
18. Install the retractor tower cover and install the 3 screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

19. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the seat back cover.
20. Reinstall the seat back cover and secure the hook and loop fasteners and the J-strip.
21. Install the seat belt lower anchor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

22. Position the outer half of the side cover to the inner half and snap together.
23. Install the 2 screws attaching the side cover to the seat cushion frame.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

24. Install the shoulder belt bezel to the retractor tower.
25. Install the seat belt guide to the side of the seat back.
26. Install the headrest retainers and install the headrest.
27. Release the center latch to allow the seat back to fold down.
28. Install the seat in the vehicle.
29. Latch the seat back to the buckle and verify proper seat belt retractor operation.
30. If it is necessary to replace the other seat belt retractor in the 3rd row, do so at this time following Steps 1 through 29. Then open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.
31. If the other seat belt retractor in the 3rd row does NOT require replacement, open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Model: Suburban and Yukon XL

Seat Belt Locations: Third Row, Left and Right Seat Belt Retractors (Center Position Not Required)

1. Open the rear side doors and inspect the "Lot Number" (1) on the tags located on the 3rd row, left and right seat belt webbing material.

•	If the lot number on the tag MATCHES one of those listed below, proceed to Step 2.

•	If NONE of the lot numbers on the two tags appear below, proceed to Step 32 of this procedure and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

-

3940020

-

3940021

-

3940026

-

3950020

-

3950021

-

3950023

-

3950026

-

3950027

-

3960011

Important: The following steps are ONLY to be used if replacement of the left, the right or both seat belt retractors is required in the 3rd row.

2. With the 3rd row seat out of the vehicle, release the J-strip at the bottom of the seat back and release the hook and loop fasteners.
3. Remove both headrests.
4. Reaching up inside the seat back, release and remove the four headrest retainers.
5. Remove the seat belt guides from the sides of the seat back.
6. Manually rotate the center latch to the latched position to release the seat back.
7. Remove the shoulder belt bezel from the retractor tower.
8. To access the lower seat belt anchor bolt, remove the 2 screws attaching the side cover to the seat cushion frame.
9. Unsnap the outer half of the side cover from the inner half and remove.
10. Remove the seat belt lower anchor bolt.
11. Remove the seat back cover to access the retractor.
12. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the seat back cover.
13. Remove the 3 screws attaching the retractor tower cover and remove the cover.
14. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the retractor cover.
15. Remove the bolt attaching the retractor to the seat frame and remove the retractor.
16. Install the new retractor on the seat frame and install the attaching bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the attaching bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

17. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the retractor cover.
18. Install the retractor tower cover and install the 3 screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

19. Latch the seat belt to the buckle and verify proper seat belt retractor operation.
20. If it is necessary to replace the other seat belt retractor in the 3rd row, do so at this time following Steps 1 through 18.
21. Route the seat belt webbing material through the opening in the seat back cover.
22. Reinstall the seat back cover and secure the hook and loop fasteners and the J-strip.
23. Install the seat belt lower anchor bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

24. Position the outer half of the side cover to the inner half and snap together.
25. Install the 2 screws attaching the side cover to the seat cushion frame.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

26. Install the shoulder belt bezel to the retractor tower.
27. Install the seat belt guide to the side of the seat back.
28. Install the headrest retainers and install the headrest.
29. Release the center latch to allow the seat back to fold down.
30. Install the seat in the vehicle.
31. Install the cargo shade if removed earlier.
32. Open the hood and install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

FOR US AND IPC

Place a Campaign Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Campaign Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Material by calling 1-888-549-6152 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Additional Campaign Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.

FOR CANADA

Place a Campaign Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Put the Campaign Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. Additional Campaign Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number GMP 91 when ordering.

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

FOR US AND CANADA

Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

FOR IPC

Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the attached suggested dealer letter.

FOR US AND IPC (US States, Territories, and Possessions)

The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall campaign of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall campaign notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the campaign is not completed within a reasonable time.

FOR ALL

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this campaign MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

(The following information has been included as an instruction sheet to accompany the owner letter.)

Seat Belt Inspection

1. Open the rear side doors and locate the printed tag on both the left and right rear seat belts in the second row of seats and also in the third row of seats, if equipped. Refer to the illustrations for the location of the seat belt tags in your particular vehicle.

NOTE: The center seat belt does NOT need to be inspected.

Suburban/Yukon XL





Tahoe/Yukon





Pickup Truck






2. Once you have located the printed tags compare the lot number (1) on the bottom line of the tags with the lots numbers listed below.

-

3940020

-

3940021

-

3940026

-

3950020

-

3950021

-

3950023

-

3950026

-

3950027

-

3960011

•	If the lot number (Item #1) on a printed tag is NOT listed above, that particular seat belt retractor does NOT need to be replaced. Repeat this procedure on the other seat belt tags.

•	If the lot number (Item #1) on any of the printed tags IS listed above, then that seat belt retractor must be replaced. Contact your dealer and make arrangements to have your seat belt retractor(s) replaced.

•	If none of the lot numbers appear above, no further action is required. You do NOT have to bring your vehicle into the dealership. Please complete the enclosed customer reply card and mail it in the postage paid, pre-addressed envelope and we will remove your name from our list.

Dear General Motors Customer:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks and utilities. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the 2nd and 3rd row outboard seat belt retractor that may be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could propagate to the point where the seat belt would no longer lock. In a vehicle crash, increased occupant injury could result from the no-lock condition.

Some second and/or third row outboard seat belts will require inspection for specific lot numbers, and replaced if found. Since the inspection is a visual inspection, and to reduce the possible inconvenience to you, we are enclosing an inspection procedure with this letter. However, if you desire, you can take your vehicle to your dealer for this inspection.

If you should choose to perform the inspection and find one of the specified lot numbers on any of your seat belts contact your dealer to schedule an appointment to have a new seat belt installed. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

The length of time required to perform this inspection is approximately 15 minutes. Another thirty to forty-five minutes will be required if there are seat belt retractors that require changing. Additional time may be required to schedule and process your vehicle. If you dealer has a large number of vehicles awaiting service, this additional time may be significant. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed to schedule, process and repair your vehicle.

Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Parts are available and instructions for making this correction have been sent to your dealer.

Your dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide services to correct your vehicle as promptly as possible. Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below:

If, after contacting the appropriate customer assistance center, you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call 1-888-327-4236.

The attached customer reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the attached and mailing it in the postage paid envelope.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure