Component Tests and General Diagnostics

Determine the types of safety belt assemblies that have been replaced. Then functionally test the new safety belt assembly using the following procedure.

1. When passenger is not available, the RH front passenger belt may be tested by a driver if the driver has the ability to grasp the RH front shoulder belt and extend it approximately 66 cm (26 inch) without jeopardizing safe driving.

Driver will buckle up and proceed to a safe test area. If the RH front or rear passenger safety belt must be tested, a passenger should be buckled into the RH front or rear outboard seat.

WARNING: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE PREPARED TO BRACE THEMSELVES IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT LOCK.

NOTE: If the retractor of a new safety belt assembly has been bolted into a damaged or distorted mounting area, the new retractor could be warped and may not function properly. Reshape the sheet metal back to its original shape and structural integrity and install another new complete safety belt assembly.

NOTE: The RH front and rear shoulder safety belt should not be fully extended. This prevents the possibility of a false feeling (full extension versus lockup).

2. After reaching a safe area to perform sudden stops, the driver will attain a speed of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The driver should inform the passenger that he is preparing to make a sudden stop. At this time, both driver and passenger should grasp their shoulder harnesses and prepare to lean slightly forward at the moment the brake application is made.

3. The driver will make a maximum brake application without tire skid. (The maximum brake application should be on dry concrete or equivalent hard road surface; never on a wet or gravel road.) The driver and passenger should lean forward slightly into the shoulder harnesses. At this instant, the belts should lock up with minimal webbing extension.

4. If there is a lockup of both shoulder straps, the safety belt assemblies are functioning properly. Should either or both retractors fail to lock up at the 8 km/h (5 mph) speed, repeat the test at a constant 24km/h (15 mph) speed. (This test must be performed with a RH front or rear passenger if the RH front or rear outboard belts are to be tested.)

5. If either or both shoulder belts do not lock up at the 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return the vehicle for service of the malfunctioning safety belts. Remove the retractor and rework the sheet metal in the retractor's mounting surface back to its original shape and structural integrity. Install the retractor assembly and test the safety belt assemblies.