Service Procedure
SERVICE PROCEDURE - This procedure must be performed on all 4 buckle assemblies
1. Inspect all 4 buckle assemblies for the following:
IMPROPER FUNCTION - Fasten seat belt by inserting latchplate into buckle. Pull on belt webbing to ensure proper latching. Release latch. Repeat five times for each buckle to ensure proper operation.
Figure 1:
MISSING OR FRACTURED RED PUSHBUTTON - Figure 1 below illustrates a typical fracture.
If the buckle does not function correctly, or if the red pushbutton is broken, replacement of that buckle is required - see Body Service Manual for procedure (Seat Belt section). NOTE THAT ON 1984 VEHICLES WITH BROWN OR CHARCOAL BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, IF A PUSHBUTTON DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, OR IT IS BROKEN, ALL OF THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MUST BE REPLACED WITH BLACK BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DUE TO COLOR AVAILABILITY.
If the pushbutton is not broken, and the buckle functions properly, continue on to step 2. BE CERTAIN TO CHECK ALL BUCKLES.
2. Remove pushbutton by inserting pushbutton removal tool (J-38886-1) under the edge of the pushbutton in a horizontal position and then rotate tool to a vertical position. See Figure 3 on the next page.
NOTICE: Screw tip must be backed out towards top of tool to allow proper clearance for tool insertion.
Finger tighten screw until the screw head has bottomed out on the tool. Be certain to keep tool as vertical as possible.
NOTICE: Pushbutton may fracture at this time - this is acceptable.
Figure 3:
Gently rock the tool in a side-to-side motion as shown in Figure 3 on the next page to dislodge the pushbutton cap. DO NOT PRY TOOL ON EDGE OF BUCKLE.
Figure 2:
3. INSPECT THE JUST REMOVED PUSHBUTTON FOR ANY FRACTURES. Figure 2 below illustrates a typical pushbutton fracture.
If pushbutton is not fractured, continue to step 4.
If pushbutton is fractured, locate the fractured piece and ensure that it is not in the buckle mechanism as it may interfere with buckle operation when reassembled. Continue on to step 4 when this is completed.
4. Discard removed pushbutton (and any fractured pieces).
Figure 4:
5. Inspect pushbutton spring inside buckle to determine if it is still secured under the pushbutton retainer (black). See Figure 4.
* If pushbutton spring is secure, continue to step 6.
Figure 5:
* If the spring is not secure, reposition the original spring (or install replacement spring if the original was lost or damaged in the removal of the pushbutton cap) using the spring installation tool (J-38886-2).
Install the pushbutton spring on the spring installation tool as illustrated in Figure 5.
Figure 6:
5. (Con' t)
NOTICE: The opposite end of the spring installation tool may be used as a hook, if necessary, to aid in positioning the pushbutton retainer (black) - see Figure 6.
Figure 7:
Figure 8:
Install the pushbutton spring on the detent lever. Note that there are two different detent lever designs using either one or two retaining nubs - Figure 7. The pushbutton spring must be positioned over the retaining nub(s) on the detent lever and secured under the pushbutton - Figure 8.
Figure 9:
6. Install a new pushbutton from the service kit by inserting spring installation tool between buckle cover and pushbutton retainer to move the button away from the cover - see Figure 9. Locate new red pushbutton to the pushbutton retainer and push into position until an audible "CLICK" is heard. Remove the tool from the buckle assembly.
NOTICE: Pushbutton should now move up and down freely. If it does not, repeat steps 2-6 to remove and reinstall pushbutton.
Figure 10:
7. Buckle Protector installaticn.
NOTICE: Buckles in some 1989 vehicles and buckles in all 1990 model year vehicles will not require the installation of buckle protectors. To determine if protectors are needed on 1989 vehicle buckles, note the assembly date stamp on the lower cover - Figure 10. If the stamp on the buckle is after 120489 (April 12, 1989), it will not require a protector. These buckles have revised lower cover ramps and do not need an additional protector.
Figure 11:
After determining if a vehicle requires protectors, position stainless steel protector onto buckle lower cover - Figure 11. Push steel protector onto cover until it snaps securely.
8. Perform final inspection of safety belt by inserting the latchplate into the buckle and pulling on the safety belt webbing to ensure proper latching. Unlatch and repeat this step five times to assure proper operation.