GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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's seat:

  1. 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. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and Operation .
  2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following conditions are met:
  3. • The shoulder belt guide swivels freely.
    • The seat belt webbing is seated flatly in the guide slot.
    • The seat belt webbing does not bind.
  4. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
  5. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  6. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  7. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  8. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the webbing freely returns and completely back into the retractor.
  9. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  10. Tug sharply on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  11. Push the button on the buckle.
  12. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    • Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Repeat the inspection procedure, steps 2-10, for the front passenger seat belt.

Repeat the inspection procedure, steps 2-10, for the rear seat belts.

Emergency Locking Retractors

Caution: Perform this test in an area clear of other vehicles and/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.

  1. Fasten the seat belts. An assistant is needed when the retractor under test is not part of the driver seat belt.
  2. Slowly accelerate the vehicle to 16 km/h (10 mph) and then firmly apply the brakes.
  3. Verify that the seat belt locks when braking firmly.
  4. If the belt does not lock, proceed with the following steps.
  5. 4.1. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly.
    4.2. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly.

    Object Number: 157277  Size: SH
    4.3. Verify that the seat belt webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an angle of 15 degrees or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an angle of 45 degrees or more.
    4.4. If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly.
       • Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front .
       • Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front .
       • Refer to Rear Seat Belt Retractor Replacement .