Service/Inspection Procedure (Both Front Seats)

IMPORTANT:
THIS PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED ON BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES TO COMPLETE THE CAMPAIGN.

IMPORTANT:
IF CUSTOMER COMPLAINS OF LATCHING PROBLEMS WITH EITHER FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE, BOTH BUCKLES WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT TO ENSURE EXACT COLOR MATCH.

A LOT NUMBER INSPECTION WILL BE REQUIRED ON ALL 1991 MODEL VEHICLES.

1. Slide front seat to the most rearward position and place clean shop cloth on seat and console. Ensure shop cloth allows access to seat belt buckle assemblies.





2. FOR 1991 VEHICLES ONLY: Inspect BOTH front seat belt buckle assemblies for the lot number markings (See Figure 1) to determine if involved in recall. Using a pen light will help with this inspection.

3. If lot number markings indicate that it IS NOT necessary to perform the recall procedure, proceed to Step 27. If lot number markings indicate it IS necessary to perform the recall procedure, proceed to Step 4.

4. Disconnect driver side seat belt buckle switch connector (located under seat).








5. Using a small pair of wire cutters, carefully cut plastic outer cover long separation line between the two covers as shown in Figure 2 & 2A.





6. Using a medium screwdriver or other suitable tool, carefully separate the two halves of the outer cover by placing the screwdriver into the slot between the edges of the two covers as shown in Figure 3. Do not pry in the middle of the buckle, as this may damage the switch (e.g. driver side).





7. FOR DRIVER SIDE BUCKLES ONLY: Using the wire cutters, cut the three plastic tabs retaining the switch too the cover. Cut the bottom pin first, slide the switch down, then cut the top two retaining pins shown in Figure 4.





8. FOR DRIVER SIDE BUCKLES ONLY: Use a small blade flat screwdriver to separate the switch from the cover (see Figure 5).





9. Depress seat belt push button and release the bottom loop of the latch spring using a small screwdriver (see Figure 6).





10. Remove button and spring by applying slight upward force while pulling button out of buckle assembly (see Figure 7). BUTTON AND SPRING WILL NOT BE REUSED.

11. Inspect buckle assembly for dirt, dust or foreign material. If buckle is contaminated with any form of sticky material, replace both buckle assemblies. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN BUCKLE OF STICKY MATERIAL.

12. Remove any loose dirt, dust or foreign material using a dry compressed air. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE OR DISLODGE ANY PARTS DURING THIS PROCESS. SAFETY GOGGLES MUST BE WORN DURING THIS STEP.





13. Check for proper position of the ejector mechanism, springs and rails (see Figure 8 ).





14. Install the NEW button onto the buckle assembly. Depress the release button and hold. Hook the end of the latch spring to the latch plate using a small screwdriver (see Figure 9).

15. Check operation of the button and that the spring is attached correctly by pressing the button several times to confirm free travel.

16. TEST the operation of the buckle. Insert seat belt latch plate into buckle and check to see that it latches properly by tugging on the seat belt latch plate while firmly holding the buckle. Repeat this step three (3) times. If it DOES NOT latch, the buckle assembly should be replaced.





17. Install new upper cover to the base (see Figure 10).





18. FOR DRIVER SIDE BUCKLES ONLY: Carefully install switch onto lower cover half by inserting the bottom portion first (A) and then by applying pressure to the top corners (B) of the switch.





19. Press the switch wires into the clamps provided in the lower cover (see Figure 12).





20. Slide the switch upwards (away from wires) to its original position (see Figure 13.)





21. Push the buckle release button and carefully assemble the two halves together by first inserting the top tabs of the lower cover into the button half of the cover (see Figure 14).

22. Firmly push the two halves together until a snap is heard and/or felt.

23. Check the operation of the buckle. Insert the seat belt latch plate into the buckle. Be sure there is a positive locking sound and check to see that it latches properly by tugging on the seat belt latch plate while firmly holding the buckle. Repeat this step three (3) times. If it DOES NOT latch, both buckle assemblies should be replaced.

24. Connect the drivers side seat belt buckle switch connector and check for proper operation.

25. Return seat to its original starting position.

26. Remove shop cloth from seats and console.

27. Install Campaign Identification Label.