Seat Belt Systems: Testing and Inspection

WARNING: After every accident the seat belt system must be inspected systematically. If damage is found when inspecting the check points, customer must be informed regarding the necessity of replacing the seat belts.

Check points:
- Webbing strap
- Inertia reel (locking effect)
- Belt latch
- Belt latch function
- Check belt guides and lock tongue
- Securing parts and anchorage points
- Lap belt automatic retractor

NOTE: If customer refuses to have a damaged seat belt replaced appropriate note should be made.

Webbing strap, checking
- Pull belt completely out of inertia reel or lap belt adjustment tongue.
- Inspect belt straps for dirt and, if necessary, wash with mild soap solution also refer to Owner's Manual.

Inspection following an accident:
- If belts have damage similar to that shown in either of the following illustrated examples (1 and 2), replace seal belt complete with belt latch.

Inspection without an accident:
- If belts have damage similar to that illustrated in examples 1, 2 or 3, it is sufficient to replace damaged belt only.





Example 1-Belt webbing cut, torn or chafed





Example 2-Webbing loops on belt edge torn.





Example 3-Burn marks from cigarettes or similar.

Inertia reel (locking effect), checking
The Inertia reel has two locking functions.

Function 1
- Initiated by belt being jerked out of reel (belt extraction acceleration)

Checking
- Pull belt out of inertia reel with firm jerk.
- No locking effect - replace seat belt complete with belt latch
- If it is difficult to pull belt out or reel belt in, check whether position of inertia reel has been altered.

Function 2
- Initiated by change in vehicle movement (vehicle-dependent locking function)

Checking
- Fasten seat belt.
- Accelerate vehicle to approx. 20 km/h (12 mph) and suddenly apply foot brake to simulate emergency braking.
- If seat belt is not locked by locking mechanism during braking procedure, seat belt complete with belt latch must be replaced.

WARNING: For safety reasons, the road test should be done on a traffic-free stretch of road to ensure that other motorists/pedestrians etc. are not endangered.

Belt latch, visual inspection
- Inspect belt latch for cracks and breaks.

- If damage is found, replace seat belt complete with belt latch.

Belt latch function, checking
Checking latch mechanism:
- Push belt tongue into latch until it engages with an audible "click": Check whether latching mechanism is properly engaged by giving belt firm pull.

- If belt tongue fails even once to engage in belt latch properly during at least 5 test cycles, replace seat belt complete with belt latch.

Checking release mechanism:
- Release seat belt by pressing button on belt latch using finger pressure.

- When belt is slack, locking tongue must spring out of belt latch on its own.
- Test release at least 5 times. If belt tongue tails to spring out of latch even once, replace seal belt complete with belt latch.

WARNING: Never use lubricant to eliminate noise or stiffness at belt latch buttons.

Belt guides and locking tongues, checking
Plastic-covered guides show, after strain on belt system (when belt was fastened during an accident) fine parallel score marks. Wear which has been caused only by frequent belt use can be recognized by smooth signs of wear which are free of score marks.
- Inspect for deformation, fractures and score marks in plastic.

- If scoring and/or damage is found, replace seat belt complete with belt latch.

Securing parts and anchorage points, checking

Check points:
- Latch and bracket for deforming (stretching)
- Height adjustment function
- Anchorage points (seat, pillar, vehicle floor) for distortion or damaged threads
- If damage is found at any of the check points, replace seat belt complete with belt latch
- Replace or repair anchorage points if necessary

NOTE: Individual components that are damaged or faulty due to normal wear may be replaced separately.