Seat Belt Retractor ON-Vehicle Check
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON-VEHICLE CHECKEmergency Locking Retractors (ELR) and Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
NOTE: All seat belt retractors are of the Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) the retractor will lock and prevent the belt from extending any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractors except the driver's seat belt also have an Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode. The ALR mode (also called child restraint mode) is used when installing child seats. The ALR mode is activated when the seat belt is fully extended. When the belt is then retracted partially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat belt in a specific position so the belt cannot be extended any further. To cancel the ALR mode, allow the seat belt to fully wind back into the retractor.
Check the seat belt retractors using the following test(s) to determine if a seat belt retractor and belt assembly is operating properly.
ELR Function Stationary Check
Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent the belt from extending further.
ALR Function Stationary Check
1. Pull out entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
2. Retract the belt partially. A clicking noise should be heard as the belt retracts indicating that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.
3. Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out the retractor. The belt must lock and not extend any further. If necessary replace the seat belt retractor and belt assembly.
4. Allow the entire length of the belt to retract to cancel the automatic locking mode.
ELR Function Moving Check
WARNING: Perform the following test in a safe, open area clear of other vehicles and obstructions (for example, a large, empty parking lot). Road surface must be paved and dry. DO NOT perform the following test on wet or gravel roads or on public streets and highways. This could result in an accident and serious personal injury. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock.
1. Fasten drivers seat belt. Buckle a passenger into the seat for the belt that is to be tested.
2. Proceed to the designated safe area.
3. Drive the vehicle at approximately 16 km/h (10 MPH). Notify any passengers of a pending sudden stop. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock. Apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop.
During stop, seat belts should lock and not be extended. If the seat belt retractor and belt assembly does not lock, perform the retractor off-vehicle check.