PASSENGER SEAT BELT OPERATION/CHILD RESTRAINT

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1983-84 S/T Blazer, Jimmys and S/T Extended Cab -----------------------------------------------

Some customers have expressed concern about the emergency locking retractor belt system provided in the passenger seating positions of 1982-84 S/T Trucks. The system may not allow the lap belt to be tightened around child restraints as some child restraint manufacturers recommend.

S/T trucks built before 1985 used an emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belt system. In an emergency the belts lock up to hold the seat occupant/child restraint in place.

In 1985, a dual-mode retractor was introduced which normally has the characteristics of an ELR, but can be set to an automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode by fully extending the belt webbing from the retractor. In the (ALR) mode, as the belt retracts, it cannot be pulled out until it is fully retracted.

The dual-mode retractor is installed in the right front seat belt on 1985 Blazer/Jimmys and extended cabs, and in both seating positions of the Blazer/Jimmy rear seat. The dual-mode retractor can be installed in 1983 and 1984 S/T Blazers, Jimmys and S/T extended cab vehicles.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Refer to Pages 10-25 through 10-28 of the 1985 S Truck Service Manual for the seat belt retractor replacement procedure.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number Model Location Colour ----------- ----- -------- ------ 15591226 Jimmy-*Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Charcoal 15591228 Jimmy-*Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Blue 15591230 Jimms-*Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Carmine 15591232 Jimmy-*Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Lt.Saddle

15591234 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Charcoal 15591235 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Blue 15591236 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Carmine 15591237 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Lt. Saddle

15591227 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Charcoal 15591229 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Blue 15591231 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Carmine 15591233 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Lt. Saddle

15591222 Jimmy R/Seat Folding Charcoal 15591223 Jimmy R/Seat Folding Blue 15591224 Jimmy R/Seat Folding Carmine 15591225 Jimmy R/Seat Folding Lt. Saddle

* Without Jump Seats ** With Jump Seats

Installing a child restraint in a Blazer/Jimmy or at right front in an ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- extended cab with dual-mode retractors: ---------------------------------------

First, locate the child restraint system on the vehicle seat and install any top strap and anchor it. Then:

1. Pull the lap belt out and position it around or through the child restraint, in accord with the restaint's instructions, and buckle the lap belt.

2. Pull the remaining webbing out of retractor to switch it to the ratchet mode. Then allow the excess webbing to retract.

3. Grasp the webbing between the child restraint system and retractor and pull it tight around the entire child restraint while allowing it to feed into the retractor. Listen for clicking to assure it is in the ratchet mode.

4. Try to move the child restraint system and webbing to assure the seat belt is holding it tightly.

Returning ratcheting retractor to normal use:

Unbuckling the belt and letting it retract all the way allows the belt to move freely again. In that mode, it is designed to lock only during a sudden stop or impact.

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.