Seat Belt Systems: Testing and Inspection
AFTER A COLLISIONWARNING: Inspect all seat belt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware after any collision. NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury in an accident. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
Replace any seat belt assembly if:
- The seat belt was in use at the time of a collision (except for minor collisions and the belts, retractors and buckles show no damage and continue to operate properly).
- The seat belt was damaged in an accident (i.e. torn webbing, bent retractor or guide, etc.).
^ The seat belt attaching point was damaged in an accident. Inspect the seat belt attaching area for damage or distortion and repair as necessary before installing a new seat belt assembly.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
1. Check the seat belt warning lamp/chime for proper operation as follows:
a. Switch ignition ON. The seat belt warning lamp should illuminate. Also, the seat belt warning chime should sound for about seven seconds.
b. Fasten driver's seat belt. The seat belt warning lamp should go out and the chime (if sounding) should stop.
2. Check that the seat belt retractor, seat belt anchor and buckle bolts are securely attached.
3. Check the shoulder seat belt guide and shoulder belt height adjuster for front seats. Ensure guide swivels freely and that belt lays flat and does not bind in guide. Ensure height adjuster operates properly and holds securely.
4. Check retractor operation:
a. Fully extend the seat belt webbing and check for twists, tears or other damage.
b. Allow the seat belt to retract. Ensure that belt returns smoothly and completely into the retractor. If the seat belt does not returns smoothly, wipe the inside of the loops with a clean paper cloth etc. because dirt built up in the loops of the upper anchors can cause the seat belts to retractor slowly.
c. Fasten the seat belt. Pull firmly on belt and buckle to ensure belt remains latched. Unfasten seat belt. Ensure belt releases freely and buckle button returns to original position.
5. For center (non-retractable) seat belt, check that the seat belt is accessible. Check seat belt webbing for twists, tears or other damage. Fasten the seat belt. Pull firmly on belt and buckle to ensure belt remains latched. Unfasten seat belts. Ensure belt releases freely and buckle button returns to original position.
6. Repeat steps above as necessary to check the other seat belts.