Component Tests and General Diagnostics
FUNCTIONAL TEST PROCEDUREDetermine the types of safety belt assemblies that have been replaced. Test the new safety belt assembly using the appropriate procedure.
NOTE: The RH front and rear shoulder safety belts should not be fully extended. This prevents the possibility of a false feeling (full extension versus lockup).
1. When a passenger is not available, the RH front passenger belt may be tested by a driver only, providing driver has the ability to grasp RH front shoulder belt and extend it approximately 66 cm (26 inches) without jeopardizing safe driving. Driver will buckle up and proceed to a safe test area. If RH front or rear outboard passenger safety belt must be tested, a passenger should be buckled into RH front or rear outboard seat.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE PREPARED TO BRACE THEMSELVES IN THE EVENT THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT LOCK.
NOTE: If the retractor of a new safety belt assembly has been bolted into a damaged or distorted mounting area, the new retractor could be warped and may not function properly. Rework the sheet metal back to its original shape and structural integrity. Install another new complete safety belt assembly.
2. After reaching a safe area to perform sudden stops, driver will attain a speed of approximately 8 km/h (5mph). The driver should inform passenger that he is preparing to make a severe stop. At this time, both driver and rider should grasp their shoulder safety belts and prepare to lean slightly forward at the moment brake application is made.
3. The driver will make a maximum brake application without tire skid. (The maximum brake application should be on dry concrete or equivalent hard road surface; never on a wet or gravel road.) The driver and passenger should lean forward slightly into shoulder safety belt. At this instant, belts should lock up with minimal webbing extension.
4. If there is a lockup of both shoulder safety belts, safety belt assemblies are functioning properly. Should either or both retractors fail to lock up at the 8 km/h (5 mph) speed, repeat the test at a constant 24 km/h (15 mph) speed. (This test must be performed with RH front or rear passenger if RH front or rear outboard belts are to be tested.)
5. If either or both shoulder safety belts do not lock up at 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return vehicle for service of malfunctioning safety belts. Remove retractor and rework sheet metal back to its original shape and structural integrity. Install retractor assembly and retest safety belt assembly(s).