Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

A continuous loop, single retractor restraint system is used on these vehicles.

The seat and shoulder safety belts are factory installed in their proper locations. If seat or shoulder safety belts are removed for any reason, they should be installed as shown in Removal and Installation. Tighten the anchor bolts to 30-43 N.m (22-32 lb-ft).

WARNING:
- SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES MUST BE INSTALLED IN MATCHED SETS AS RECEIVED AND MUST NOT BE INTERCHANGED BETWEEN VEHICLES. IF A COMPONENT PORTION OTHER THAN THE REMOVABLE D-RING COVER (BUCKLE PORTION, RETRACTOR PORTION, ETC.) OF A SEAT OR SHOULDER SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY IS NONFUNCTIONAL OR DAMAGED, THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY (BUCKLE, TONGUE AND SHOULDER HARNESS PORTIONS) MUST BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY MUST BE INSTALLED AS A MATCHED SET AND THE MANUFACTURER'S IDENTIFICATION ON THE LABEL OF THE RETRACTOR WEBBING MUST MATCH THE MANUFACTURER'S IDENTIFICATION ON THE BUCKLE BASE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE SEAT OR SHOULDER SAFETY BELT COMPONENTS TO BE REPLACED AS INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS.
- CHILDREN HAVING A SEATING HEIGHT GREATER THAN 71 CM (28 INCHES), WHICH IS THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR USE OF THE TOT-GUARD, SHOULD USE THE SAFETY BELTS PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE SHOULDER BELT PORTION OF THE LAP SHOULDER SAFETY BELT SHOULD NOT BE USED IF IT CONTACTS THE CHILD'S FACE, CHIN, NECK OR THROAT. IF THE SHOULDER BELT CONTACTS OR REMAINS IN FRONT OF THE CHILD'S FACE, CHIN, NECK OR THROAT, MOVE THE CHILD TO A SEAT WITH A LAP SAFETY BELT ONLY, IF AVAILABLE. OTHERWISE, PLACE THE SHOULDER PORTION BEHIND THE CHILD'S BACK. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS PRECAUTION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OR SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.
- ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS, INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN, SHOULD WEAR SAFETY BELTS FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS, INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN, SHOULD BE SURE THE LAP SAFETY BELT, OR LAP SAFETY BELT PORTION OF THE LAP-SHOULDER BELT, IS FITTED SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE WAIST. SHOULDER BELTS SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED FOR MINIMUM SLACK. FAILURE TO PROPERLY UTILIZE THE SAFETY BELTS MAY INCREASE THE CHANCE AND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. ACCORDING TO ACCIDENT STATISTICS, PROPERLY RESTRAINED CHILDREN ARE SAFER IN THE REAR SEAT THAN IN THE FRONT SEAT. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, INFANT AND CHILD RESTRAINTS SHOULD BE OBTAINED AND USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE INFANT AND CHILD RESTRAINT. CHILD RESTRAINT USE IS REQUIRED BY LAW.


NOTE: Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after they have been subjected to loading by occupants in a collision.

The system incorporates a buzzer or chime and lamp warnings. The safety belt warning lamp illuminates for approximately eight seconds after the ignition switch is turned on, regardless of safety belt usage. The safety belt warning buzzer or chime is grounded by a switch in the LH inboard buckle. The warning buzzer or chime will sound for approximately eight seconds unless the driver's safety belt is connected.