Important: If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision
for additional information.
Perform the following inspection from the driver seat:
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Verify proper operation
of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled.
- Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following
conditions are met:
• | The shoulder belt guide swivels freely. |
• | The seat belt webbing is seated flatly in the guide slot. |
• | The seat belt webbing does not bind. |
- Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
- Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
- Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
- Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt
webbing does not have any twists or tears.
- Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt
webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
- Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
- 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.
- Push the button on the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch
plate releases easily from the buckle. Verify that the button returns to the
original position.
Repeat steps 2-10 for the front passenger seat.
Perform the following steps in order to inspect the center seat belts:
- Verify that the center seat belts are accessible.
- Verify that the center seat belts have no twists or tears in the
webbing.
- Snap the center seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
- 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.
- Push the button on the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch
plate releases easily from the buckle. Verify that the button returns to the
original position.
Repeat steps 2-10 for the rear seat belts.
Repeat steps 1- 5 for the rear center seat belts.
Caution: Perform this test in an area clear of other vehicles or obstructions.
Do not conduct this test on the open road. A large, empty parking lot is suitable.
Failure to observe this precaution may result in damage to the vehicle and
possible personal injury.
- Fasten the seat belts, an assistant is needed when the retractor
being tested is not part of the driver seat belt.
- Accelerate the vehicle slowly to 16 km/h (10 mph)
and apply the brakes firmly.
- Verify that the seat belt locks when braking firmly.
- If the belt does not lock, proceed with the following steps.
4.1. | Remove the seat belt retractor assembly. |
4.2. | Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly. |
4.3. | Ensure that the seat belt
webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 15 degrees
or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 45 degrees
or more. |
4.4. | If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described,
replace the seat belt assembly. Refer to the following procedures: |