Seat Belt Systems: Service and Repair

Pyrotechnic Seat Belt Tensioners, Disposal

WARNING:
- Improper disposal of pyrotechnic seat belt tensioner units (gas generators) which have not been triggered creates a hazard.
- Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioner units (gas generators) must be rendered inoperable before disposing because pyrotechnic devices can cause injury if disposed of improperly (e.g. using a blow torch).
- Seat belts which need to be removed (e.g. after an accident in which the seat belt tensioner was not activated) must be triggered before removal.
- This does not apply to seat belts with malfunctions (e.g. sticking or failure to retract) which must be returned to the Warranty Parts Test Center for analysis.
- Observe all transportation regulations for explosive substances.
- Procedure for rear belt tensioners is analogous to front (shelf, remove trim on side of trim or remove 2/3 of backrest cover).

Procedure for triggering pyrotechnic belt tensioners

NOTE:
- Whenever possible, pyrotechnic belt tensioners must be deployed outside the vehicle. Use Airbag and Pyrotechnic Deployment Device J-44210 and follow instructions in booklet.
- The procedure that follows is for deployment of tensioners mounted inside a vehicle.

- Remove upper B-pillar trim.
- Remove lower B-pillar trim.
- Remove outer seat belt anchor.
- Using scissors, cut belt webbing above seat belt tongue (about 20 cm above belt retractor).
- Disconnect harness connector from belt retractor and connect wiring harness (Part No. 8D1 971 259) to belt tensioner.
- Cut harness connector at opposite end, insulate both ends of cable, pull cable housing apart until ends of cable are at least 30 cm apart.

- Vehicle must not be occupied

- Open windows and close doors.
- Using wiring harness and an external battery (located outside vehicle), activate gas generator (maintain minimum 10 m distance).
- Air out vehicle after triggering.

- After removal, the belts can be disposed of as commercial waste.
- Wash your hands after handling belt tensioners that have fired.
- Follow safety and handling instructions for pyrotechnic belt tensioners.