Checking Seat Belts

Checking Seat Belts

CAUTION: After any accident, the seat belt system must be checked systematically for proper function and damage. If damage is found according to the test points, the entire seat belt system must be replaced.

Test points
- Checking belt strap
- Checking automatic belt device (locking effect)
- Visual inspection of belt buckle
- Function test of belt buckle
- Checking sash guides
- Checking mounting elements and mounting points

INFORMATION: In the case of damage which does not occur as the result of an accident, e.g. wear, only the damaged part needs to be replaced.

Checking belt strap
- Pull out the belt strap on the automatic belt device fully.
- Check the belt strap for soiling; clean, if necessary, with mild soap suds. When drying, avoid direct sunshine.

1. Damage type 1







1.1. If one of the damage types shown below -damage types 1 and 2- is found on an accident vehicle, the seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

2. Damage type 2







2.1. If damage such as -damage type 1, 2, 3- is found on a vehicle not involved in an accident, it is sufficient to replace the damaged seat belt.

3. Damage type 3







3.1. Burn marks from cigarettes, or similar.

4. Damage type 4







4.1. The belt tensioner must always be replaced if it has been triggered. The seat belt is damaged by the deflector -damage type 4-.

Checking automatic belt device (locking effect)

The automatic belt device has two locking functions
- The first locking function is triggered by pulling the seat belt out quickly (belt extension acceleration).

Test
- Pull the seat belt out of the automatic belt device with a strong pull.

If no locking effect occurs, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

In the case of faults in the extension or retraction of the seat belt, check whether the locking tab of the automatic belt device is engaged correctly in the sheetmetal bracket on the body.
- The second locking function is triggered by a change in the sequence of vehicle movement (vehicle dependent locking function).

Test

CAUTION: For safety reasons, this driving test must be carried out on a traffic-free road, so that there is absolutely no danger to other road users.

- Fasten the seat belt.
- Accelerate the vehicle to 20 km/h (12 mph) and then perform an emergency stop with the foot brake.

If the belt is not locked by the blocking mechanism during the braking phase, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

Visual inspection of belt buckle
- Inspect the belt buckle for crack formation and flaking.

In the case of damage, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

Function test of belt buckle

Checking belt buckle
- Push the buckle into the belt buckle until it engages audibly. Check whether the lock mechanism has engaged by pulling strongly on the belt strap.

If the buckle fails to lock in the belt buckle even just once in at least 5 test procedures, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

Checking belt buckle release
- Release the seat belt by pressing with a finger on the button on the belt buckle.

Carry out the test procedure at least 5 times. If the buckle fails to jump out even just once, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

INFORMATION: Lubricants must never be used to remedy noises or sluggishness of the buttons on the belt buckles.

Checking sash guides

Plastic-coated covers show fine, parallel scores after the belt system has been subjected to stress (seat belt buckled during accident). On the other hand, wear caused by frequent use is indicated by a stripe-free, smooth surface.
- Inspect the sash guides for distortion, flaking and crack formation.

In the case of scoring and/or damage, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.

Checking mounting elements and mounting points
- Check the belt buckle strap for distortion.
- Check the function of the height adjuster.
- Check the mounting points (seat, B-pillar, C-pillar, vehicle floor) for distortion or thread damage.

If damage is found on the parts, the entire seat belt and belt buckle must be replaced.
Replace damaged or distorted mounting points.