Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation

AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR
The seat belt retractors used in all seating positions include an inertia-type, emergency locking mechanism as standard equipment. However, the retractor locking mechanism for the second row center seating position is mechanically switchable from an emergency locking retractor to an automatic locking retractor. The primary function of this feature is to securely accommodate a child seat in the second row center seating position of the vehicle without the need for a self-cinching seat belt tip half latch plate unit or another supplemental device that would be required to prevent the seat belt webbing from unwinding freely from the retractor spool of an inertia-type emergency locking retractor mechanism.

The automatic locking mechanism is integral to the second row center seat belt and retractor unit and is concealed beneath a molded plastic cover located on the side of the retractor spool. The retractor is secured to the center section seat back frame and is concealed beneath the seat back trim. The automatic locking mechanism cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire second row center seat belt and retractor unit must be replaced.

The automatic locking mode of the retractor is engaged and the retractor is switched from operating as a standard inertia-type emergency locking retractor by first buckling the combination lap and shoulder belt buckle. Then grasp the shoulder belt and pull all of the webbing out of the retractor. Once all of the belt webbing is extracted from the spool, the retractor will automatically become engaged in the pre-locked automatic locking mode and will make an audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the shoulder belt is allowed to retract to confirm that the automatic locking mode is now engaged. Once the automatic locking mode is engaged, the retractor will remain locked and the belt will remain tight around whatever it is restraining.

The retractor is returned to standard emergency locking mode by unbuckling the combination lap and shoulder belt buckle and allowing the belt webbing to be almost fully retracted onto the retractor spool. The emergency locking mode is confirmed by the absence of the audible clicking or ratcheting sound as the belt webbing retracts. This mode will allow the belt to unwind from and wind onto the retractor spool freely unless and until a predetermined inertia load is sensed, or until the retractor is again switched to the automatic locking mode.