Rear 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 Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) the retractor will lock and prevent the webbing from extending any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractors except the driver 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 webbing is then retracted partially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat belt in a specific position so the webbing 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 with the following test(s) to determine if a retractor assembly is operating properly.
ELR Function Stationary Check
Grasp the shoulder webbing and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent the belt from extending further.
ALR Function Stationary Check
1. Pull out the entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
2. Retract the webbing partially. A clicking noise should be heard as the webbing retracts indicating that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode.
3. Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out the retractor. The webbing must lock and not extend any further. If it does not operate normally, replace the retractor assembly.
4. Allow the entire length of the webbing 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. Never 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 that the retractor does not lock.
1. Fasten driver 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 and the driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event that the retractor does not lock. Apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop.
During stopping, seat belts should lock and not be extended. If the seat belt retractor assembly does not lock, perform the retractor off-vehicle check.