Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

1. From the driver's seat, turn the ignition switch ON. Verify proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the seat belt buckled and unbuckled, refer to Seat Belt System Operation - Front Seat System.
2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide. Check that the guide swivels freely, the seat belt webbing is seated flat in the guide slot, and that the webbing does not bind.
3. Check that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
4. Check that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
5. Check the seat belt anchor bolts to verify that they are secure.
6. Fully extend the seat belt webbing and check that there are no twists or tears in the webbing.
7. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract and check that the webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
8. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
9. Tug sharply on the seat belt latch plate and buckle. Check that it remains locked.
10. Push the button on the buckle. The seat belt latch plate must release from the buckle easily and the button must return to its original position.
11. Repeat steps 2 through 10 from the front passenger seat.
12. Check that the center belts are accessible and that there are no twists or tears in the webbing.
13. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
14. Tug sharply on the seat belt latch plate and buckle. Check that it remains locked.
15. Push the button on the buckle. The seat belt latch plate must release from the buckle easily and the button must return to its original position.
16. Repeat steps 2 through 10 from the rear seats. To remove the seats or the seat cushions, refer to Seats and Carpet.
17. Repeat steps 12 through 15 for the rear seat center belts. To remove the seats or the seat cushions, refer to Seats and Carpet.