Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

Seat Belts Description

Driver Seat Belt Warning
The driver's safety belt incorporates a safety belt reminder light in the instrument cluster to remind the driver if the safety belt is not fastened when the ignition is turned ON.

Three-Point ELR Front Seat Belt with Pretensioner
The three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) front seat belt pretensioner is always unlocked, allowing the passenger freedom of movement, except in emergencies such as rapid deceleration, rapid acceleration, or hard cornering maneuvers.

The front seat belt pretensioner contains an ignitor charge and a gas generator to inflate the pretensioner. The pretensioner also includes wiring and a connector. The connector of the pretensioner contains a shorting bar which short-circuits the pretensioner high circuit to the pretensioner low circuit when the connector is disconnected. The shorting bar prevents current from traveling through the pretensioner during servicing. The shorting bar disengaged when the connector is connected.

The pretensioner is an electronically controlled pyrotechnical reactor which reduce seat belt slack when it is active with air bags.
The front seat belt pretensioner must be replaced after an accident that cause its activation.

Three-Point CLR (ELR) Rear Outboard Seat Belt
The rear seating positions use the three-point Child Locking Retractor (CLR) or Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts. The three-point CLR (ELR) seat belt is always unlocked, allowing the passenger freedom of movement, except in emergencies such as rapid deceleration, rapid acceleration, or hard cornering maneuvers.

Operational and Functional Checks

CAUTION:
^ Keep sharp objects and potentially damaging objects away from the seat belts.
^ Avoid bending or damaging any portion of the buckle or the latch plate.
^ Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing. Use only mild soap and water in order to clean the belts.
^ When installing the seat belt anchor bolts and the screws, start the bolts and the screws by hand in order to prevent cross-threading.
^ Do not attempt any repairs on the retractor mechanisms or the covers. Replace any defective assemblies with new assemblies.
^ Replace any belts that are cut or damaged in any way.

1. Inspect all seat belt anchor bolts and the screws in order to verify that they are secure.
2. Inspect the seat belt buckle. The buckle must lock and unlock easily.
3. After inserting the latch into the buckle, tug sharply on the belt. The buckle must remain locked.
4. Fully extend the shoulder belt portion to make sure that there is no twisting or tears in the belt.
5. Let the shoulder belt retract fully. The belt should retract easily.