Recall - Defective Front Seat Belt Assemblies
01-020May 29, 2001
Applies To:
2002 3.2TL - From VIN 19UUA5...2A003819 thru 19UUA5...2A016202
Non-Compliance Recall: 3.2TL Front Seat Belt Buckles
(Supersedes 01-020, dated May 21, 2001)
Changes are indicated by Black lines and asterisks
BACKGROUND
Front seat belt buckles produced between certain dates may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 "Seat Belt Assemblies." After routine buckle strength testing by the manufacturer, some front seat belts would not unlatch. This was caused by a deformed latching plate inside the buckle.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
* All owners of affected vehicles will be mailed a notification of this recall. * * An example of the customer notification is shown in this service bulletin.
Many of the affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. According to Federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired.
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:
Black - P/N 04813-S0K-315ZB
Ivory - P/N 04813-S0K-315ZC
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Failed Part: P/N 81455-S0K-A03ZB
Defect Code: 293
Contention Code: L26
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 Nm (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 Nm (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 fifth character (A) of the engine compartment VIN.
DISCLAIMER