Seat Belt Systems: Service Precautions

CAUTION: Replace belts, retractors, and hardware in use during all but a minor collision. Also, restraint systems should be replaced and anchorages properly repaired if they were in areas damaged by collision, whether the belt was in use or not. If there is any question, replace the belt system. Damage, whether visible or not, could result in serious personal injury in the event of an accident.

NOTICE: To prevent possible seat belt damage, refer to the following items before servicing or replacing lap and shoulder belts, including single loop belt systems:

1. Lap and shoulder belts will be serviced as follows:
1.1. Replace only the part in question.
1.2. All belts need to be serviced as a set to assure the belt components are from the same supplier.
1.3. Do not intermix standard and deluxe belts on front or rear seats.
1.4. All attachment hardware must be replaced, not reused.
2. Keep sharp edges and damaging objects away from belts.
3. Avoid bending or damaging any portion of the belt buckle or latch plate.
4. Do not bleach or dye belt or strap webbing. Clean with a mild soap solution and water.
5. When installing lap or shoulder belt anchor bolts, start the bolts by hand to ensure that the bolts are threaded straight.
6. Do not attempt repairs on lap or shoulder belt retractor mechanisms to lap belt retractor covers. Replace defective assemblies with new service replacement parts.
7. Do not attempt to remove the seat belt retractor cover. The cover and the long rivet securing the cover to the retractor are not available as service replacement parts.