Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Seat Belt Latch (Front/Rear) - Falls to Floor

BULLETIN NO.: 01-T-44

ISSUE DATE: September, 2001

CATEGORY TYPE: Restraints-04

CATEGORY: Safety Belts

CORPORATION NO.: 01-09-40-004

SUBJECT:

Seat Belt Latch Falls to Floor or is Difficult to Retrieve (Install New Replacement Seat Belt Stow Button Kit)

MODELS AFFECTED:

^ 1996 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedans (Rear Belts)

^ 1997 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Coupes (Front and Rear Belts)

^ 1999 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedans and Wagons (Front Belts)

^ 1999 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Wagons (Rear Belts)

CONDITION:

Some customers may comment that the seat belt latch falls to the floor or is difficult to retrieve when putting on seat belt.

CAUSE:

This condition may be due to a missing seat belt stow button.

CORRECTION:

Refer to procedures in this bulletin to install seat belt stow button kit replacement parts.





PROCEDURES:

Front Seat Belt Stow Button Replacement

IMPORTANT:
If original seat belt stow button hole is visible, reuse this hole for replacement button and proceed to step 3.

1. Measure specified distance up from base of seat belt webbing, located where webbing goes through anchor point at floor attachment point (slide bar on coupe models). Refer to the illustration on this page and the callouts below.

(1) For 1999 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedans and Wagons, measure 470 mm (18.5 inches).

(2) For 1997 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Coupes except left side of Three Door (RAD) Coupes, measure 470 mm (18.5 inches).

(3) For 1999 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Three Door (RAD) Coupes (left side), measure 533 mm (21.0 inches).

2. Mark location from step 1 in center of Seat belt webbing width with a pencil. Make the mark small and as close to center of seat belt webbing as possible so the button will cover up the mark.

3. Position latch plate above the mark or original hole location.

IMPORTANT:
Make sure smooth side of seat belt stow button is on side of belt that contacts occupant when belt is properly worn.

4. Push male half of seat belt stow button through seat belt webbing starting on side of webbing that faces vehicle interior when belt is stowed and not twisted.

5. Install the female half of the button to the male half, and snap the two halves together using a pair of pliers.

IMPORTANT:
Do not cover the center point of the button with pliers while pinching halves together.

6. Using small pliers, break off the stem point of the button. Verify a clean, smooth break of the stem.

Rear Seat Belt Stow Button Replacement

IMPORTANT:
If original seat belt stow button hole is visible, reuse this hole for replacement button and proceed to step 3.

IMPORTANT:
Make sure seat belt is in stowed position with webbing completely retracted before performing measurement in step 1





1. Measure specified distance down seat belt webbing from point where rear seat belt comes out of rear trim molding. Refer to the illustration on this page and the callouts below.

(1) For 1996 2002 Saturn S-Series Sedans, measure 500 mm (19~7 inches).

(2) For 1997 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Coupes, measure 240 mm (9.4 inches).

(3) For 1999 - 2002 Saturn S-Series Wagons, measure 475 mm (18.7 inches).

2. Mark location from step 1 in center of seat belt webbing width with a pencil. Make the mark small and as close to center of seat belt webbing as possible so the button will cover up the mark.

3. Position latch plate above the mark or original hole location.

IMPORTANT:
Make sure smooth side of seat belt stow button is on side of belt that contacts occupant when belt is properly worn.

4. Push male half of seat belt stow button through seat belt webbing starting on side of webbing that faces vehicle interior when belt is stowed and not twisted.

5. Install the female half of the button to the male half and snap the two halves together using a pair of pliers.

IMPORTANT:
Do not cover the center point of the button with pliers while pinching halves together.

6. Using small pliers, break off the stem point of the button. Verify a clean, smooth break of the stem.





PARTS REQUIREMENTS:

CLAIM INFORMATION:

To receive credit for this repar during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for C9098 (Button, Seat Belt Stow Replace).





Disclaimer