Seat Belt Systems: Service Precautions

CAUTION:
^ Restraint systems can be damaged in a collision. To help avoid injury and ensure that all parts in need of replacement are replaced:
^ Replace any seat belt system that was in use during the collision serious enough to deploy any automatic restraint device such as air bags and seat belt pretensioners. This not only includes seat belt systems in use by people of adult size, but seat belt systems used to secure child restraints, infant carriers and booster seats, including LATCH system and top tether anchorages.
^ Replace any seat belt system that has torn, worn, or damaged components. This not only includes adult seat belt systems, but built-in child restraints and LATCH system components, if any.
^ Replace any seat belt system if you observe the words "REPLACE" or "CAUTION", or if a yellow tag is visible. Do not replace a seat belt if only the child seat caution label is visible.
^ Replace any seat belt system if you are doubtful about its condition. This not only includes adult seat belt systems, but built-in child restraints, LATCH system components, and any restraint system used to secure infant carriers, child restraints, and booster seats.
Do NOT replace single seat belt system components in vehicles that have been in a collision as described above. Always replace the entire seat belt system with the buckle, guide and retractor assembly, which includes the latch and webbing material.
^ To help avoid personal injury from unrepaired crash damage to a restraint system, perform the seat belt check for each seat belt system. Replace the seat belt system if there is any doubt about the condition of system components.

IMPORTANT: If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a collision for additional information.

^ Do not bleach or dye the seat belt webbing. Use only the following items in order to clean the seat belt webbing:
- A mild soap and water solution
- A soft brush or cloth
^ Keep sharp edges and damaging objects away from the seat belts. Do not bend or damage any part of the seat belt buckle or latch plate. Replace any seat belts that are cut or damaged in any manner.
^ Use only the correct seat belt anchor bolts. Tighten the correct seat belt anchor bolt/screw to the correct torque value. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Begin tightening the seat belt anchor bolts by hand in order to ensure that the bolt is threaded straight.
^ Some seat belts and retractors require service as a set with service replacement components only. Do not repair individual components that require service as a set.
^ Verify that the replacement part number is correct for the vehicle at that seating position. Do not substitute a seat belt from a different seating position.