Seat Belt Systems: Testing and Inspection

Seat Belt System, Inspection


WARNING!
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after being subjected to loading by occupants in collision. Replace components as necessary.


Test points:

- Check belt webbing
- Check automatic seat belt lock retractor
- Belt lock visual inspection
- Belt lock function test
- Check D-rings and lock tongues
- Check mounting components and mounting points
- Check lap belt automatic lock retractor


NOTE: If customer refuses to have a damaged seat belt or belt component replaced, a note to this effect must be made.


Seat belt webbing

- Fully extend webbing from retractor.
- If dirty, clean belt webbing only with mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Follow instructions provided with cleaner.
- If following types of damage (1 and 2) is found in a vehicle that has been in an accident, replace seat belt complete with belt lock.
- If damage 1, 2, or 3 is found in a vehicle that has not been in an accident, replace just damaged seat belt.







1 - Cut or damaged webbing







2 - Cut loops at belt edge







3 - Burnt spots from cigarettes, etc.

Seat belt retractor inspection

Automatic retractors are dual sensing and will lock up in two modes:

- Retractor will lock up as belt is being withdrawn if inertia increases dramatically
- While pulling webbing from retractor, give belt a fast jerk.
- No locking action - replace complete seat belt assembly with buckle
- Seat belt retractor malfunction: check for change in retractor position
- Put seat belt on.
- Accelerate vehicle to 20 km/h (approx. 12 mph) and quickly apply footbrake.
- If retractor does not lock up under these conditions, replace seat belt assembly


CAUTION!
For safety reasons, drive vehicle in open area away from other vehicles when performing driving test.


Buckle, visual inspection

- Check buckle for cracks and chipping.
- If damaged, replace complete seat belt assembly

Buckle, function test

- Insert seat belt tongue in buckle until audible click is heard. Pull back on webbing quickly to assure buckle is latched properly.
- If after at least 5 tests belt tongue did not engage in buckle even once, replace complete seat belt assembly with buckle

Unlocking, checking:

- Depress button on buckle to release belt.

If belt webbing is under tension, the lock tongue must spring out by itself.
- Perform test at least 5 times. If lock tongue fails to spring out once, replace complete seat belt assembly with buckle


CAUTION!
Do not lubricate belt buckles to eliminate noise or difficulty in operating buttons.


D-rings and lock tongue, checking

Check for scoring. If belt was worn during accident, plastic covered D-rings will show fine parallel grooves indicating stress. D-rings worn from normal usage will be smooth.

- Check plastic for deformation, chipping and cracking.
- If there is scoring and/or damage, replace complete seat belt assembly with buckle.

Mounting parts and mounting points, checking

- Lock strap deformed (stretched)
- Height adjustment mechanism does not work
- Mounting points (seat, column, vehicle floor) warped or threads damaged

- If damage is found on parts, replace complete seat belt assembly with belt buckle.
- Replace mounting points.


NOTE: If there is damage that did not occur as a result of an accident, e.g. wear; replace only damaged pads.