Recall - Front Seat Belt Buckle Replacement
01-030August 9, 2001
Applies To: 2000-02 3.2TL - See VEHICLES AFFECTED
Non-Compliance Recall: Replacement Front Seat Belt Buckles
BACKGROUND
Certain 2002 3.2TLs were recently recalled because the front seat belt buckles may not have complied with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." (Refer to Service Bulletin 01-020, Non-Compliance Recall: 3.2TL Front Seat Belt Buckles.) It has been determined that certain TLs were repaired with incorrect parts. Some of the non-compliant seat belt buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to Acura dealers to be used as recall repair parts.
In addition, these seat belt buckle assemblies were used for some product update repairs of 2000 3.2TLs (refer to Service Bulletin 00-020, Product Update: 3.2TL Front Seat Belt Buckles), and for warranty and collision repairs.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
Only vehicles that have had a new front seat belt buckle or buckles installed in the last few months are affected by this campaign. There is no consistent VIN range. Before inspecting/repairing a vehicle, verify that the vehicle is eligible by checking at least one of the following:
^ The customer has a notification letter.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on your campaign responsibility report.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN Status Inquiry on DCS.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be mailed a notification of this recall. An example of the customer notification is at the end of this service bulletin.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Inspect the date codes on both front seat belt buckle assemblies. Replace any seat belt buckle assembly that has a date code in the affected range.
PARTS INFORMATION
Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly:
2000-01 3.2TL
Fern Green - P/N 04813-S0K-305ZA
Graphite Black - P/N 0481 3-SOK-305ZB
Mild Beige - P/N 04813-S0K-305ZC
2002 3.2TL
Black P/N 04813-S0K-315ZB
Ivory - P/N 0481 3-S0K-315ZC
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Failed Part: P/N 81 455-S0K-A03ZB
Defect Code: 5A3
Contention Code: L81
Skill Level: Repair Technician
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Driver's seat only: Lower the seat fully.
2. Push the upholstery down so you can see the numbers stamped on the seat belt buckle assembly.
3. Examine the date code stamped on the buckle assembly (the numbers on the bottom, closest to the mounting bolt).
^ If either front seat belt buckle assembly has a date code within the affected range of 03091 (March 9, 2001) to 05031 (May 3, 2001), go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
^ If you cannot read the date code because it is smeared or worn away, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
^ If neither front seat belt buckle assembly has a date code within the affected range, center-punch the VIN and return the car to the customer.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped). Write down the customer's radio Station presets.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Wait at least 3 minutes before continuing.
3. Remove the seat track end covers. Then remove the four seat mounting bolts.
4. Tilt the seat back. Disconnect the harness connectors and harness clips.
5. Carefully remove the seat from the car.
6. Remove the three mounting bolts for the trim piece on the side of the seat. Remove the trim piece.
7. Disconnect the two seat belt buckle harness clips from the seat frame.
8. Remove the seat belt buckle assembly center anchor bolt. Remove the seat belt buckle assembly from the seat.
9. If necessary, install the center anchor bolt and washers on the new seat belt buckle assembly. Make sure the washers are in the correct order.
10. Install the new buckle assembly on the seat. Torque the center anchor bolt to 32 N.m (24 lb-ft).
11. Route the buckle harness and connect the harness clips to the seat frame.
12. Reinstall the side trim piece.
13. Carefully set the seat back in the car.
14. Reconnect the harness connectors and the harness clips.
15. Reinstall the seat mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to 34 N.m (25 lb-ft). Reinstall the seat track covers.
16. Repeat steps 3 thru 15 if you have to replace the seat belt buckle assembly on the other seat.
17. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
18. Enter the audio system anti-theft code and the customer's radio station presets. Enter the navigation system anti-theft code (if equipped). Set the clock.
19. Center-punch a completion mark above the last character of the engine compartment VIN.
Example of Customer Letter
(2002 vehicles subject to the original recall)
Example of Customer Letter
(2000 vehicles subject to the original product update,
and 2000-02 vehicles that had warranty or collision repairs)
Disclaimer