Recall - Front Seat Belt Buckle Replacement

VOLUME
3

GROUP
Campaign

NUMBER
039

MODEL
Sephia/
Sportage

DATE
August 2004

SUBJECT
Recall Campaign: Front Seat Belt Buckle Replacement

This bulletin provides information related to a recall on 1999-2000MY Sephia and Sportage vehicles to replace the front seat belt buckles. The buckles may emit a clicking sound during latching which could indicate to the customer that the belt was latched when the belt may not be latched. If this occurs, the buckle would not provide restraint and could pull out at any time, including in a collision.

Affected production dates are:

Sephia - 6/1/98 through 7/31/00 (3-point belts only)
Sportage - 3/1/98 through 11/30/00





To correct this potential safety defect, Kia is recalling the affected 1999-2000MY Sephia and Sportage vehicles to replace the front seat belt buckles.

* NOTICE
There is no charge to the customer for this repair. Under applicable law, you may not sell or otherwise deliver any affected 1999-2000MY Sephia or Sportage until it has been repaired, pursuant to the procedures set forth in this bulletin.

INSPECTION





1. Open left rear door and check for SC039 Campaign Completion Label.

^ If label exits, NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED.

^ If label DOES NOT EXIST, check vehicle claim history for SC039 completion.

^ If label or SC039 claim history DOES NOT EXIST, continue on to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

SEPHIA





Note:
Select appropriate replacement P/N from Part Number Information table.

1. From under front of driver's seat, disconnect electrical connector for seat belt buckle switch.





2. With seat in the full-forward position, remove nuts at rear of seat track securing seat to floor.





3. With seat in the full-rearward position, remove bolts at front of seat track securing seat to floor and remove seat from vehicle.





4. Remove two screws from seat side trim forward of seat belt buckle (if equipped).

5. Remove seat belt buckle anchor bolt and remove seat belt buckle.

6. Route new seat belt buckle switch wiring under seat side trim and through seat springs to hold wiring clear of seat track. Install seat belt buckle anchor bolt and torque to 43 lb-ft (58Nm).

7. Reinstall screws in seat side trim.

8. Reinstall seat into vehicle and torque seat retaining nuts and bolts to 35 lb-ft (47Nm).

9. Reconnect seat belt buckle switch electrical connector.

10. Repeat procedure for other front seat and check seat belt operation.

Note:
Passenger seat belt buckle does not have buckle switch wiring.





11. Affix SC039 Campaign Completion Label to left rear door as shown.

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

SPORTAGE





Note:
Select appropriate replacement PIN from Part Number Information table.

1. Slide both front seats to the full-forward position.

2. Remove bolt covers and anchor bolts from front seat belt buckles.

3. Remove two (2) screws at rear lower corner of center console. Lift rear center console to access the electrical connector for the left side seat belt buckle.





4. Disconnect electrical connector for buckle switch.

5. Connect new seat belt buckle to electrical connector and install seat belt buckle anchor bolts, torque to 43 lb-ft (58Nm). Install the screws for the center console.

6. Reinstall bolt covers and check seat belt operation.





7. Affix SC039 Campaign Completion Label to left rear door as shown.

AFFECTED PRODUCTION RANGE:

Sephia models (with 3-point belts only) produced from 6/1/98 through 7/31/00 Sportage models produced from 3/1/98 through 11/30/00





PART NUMBER INFORMATION:





WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION: