Functional Test - Safety Belt Buckle and Tongue

Safety Belt System

WARNING: After any crash, all of the following safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware must be inspected by an authorized dealer to verify correct function:
- Retractors
- Buckles
- Belt tension sensor (BTS) (if equipped)
- Front safety belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped)
- Safety belt shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped)
- Child safety seat tether bracket assemblies
- Automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature for child safety seats (passenger seating positions only)
If any safety belt assembly is damaged, does not operate correctly or does not pass all of the Functional Tests in the Diagnosis and Testing, a new safety belt assembly must be installed. If any safety belt assembly attaching areas are damaged or distorted, the sheet metal must be restored to its original structural integrity and new safety belt assembly and attaching hardware must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

After any crash that results in deployment of the driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt pretensioners, new driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt systems (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt systems increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

Component Test

Carry out the appropriate Functional Test(s) as determined in Inspection and Verification.


Functional Test - Safety Belt Buckle and Tongue

The safety belt buckle and tongue assembly must operate freely during the latching and unlatching function. Fasten the safety belt by inserting the tongue (male portion) into the buckle (female portion).

1. Verify the following during the latching sequence:
- Tongue insertion is not hindered by excessive effort.

- A click is heard when the safety belt buckle latches the tongue.

2. Verify the system integrity by forcefully pulling on the safety belt webbing.

3. Unlatch the safety belt by fully depressing the safety belt buckle release button and allowing the safety belt to release and retract.

4. Verify the following during the unlatching process:
- Push-button depression does not require excessive effort.

- The tongue can be removed easily from the buckle.

5. Repeat the above steps 3 times.

6. If the functional test reveals a concern(s), install a new safety belt and safety belt buckle or safety belt retractor and safety belt buckle as required.
- Install a new safety belt and safety belt buckle or safety belt retractor and safety belt buckle if no obvious concerns are noticed and the complaint has been verified.