GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision for additional information.

Perform the following inspection from the driver seat:

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON and verify the proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and unbuckled. Refer to Seat Belt System Description .
  2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure the that the following conditions are met:
  3. • The shoulder belt guide swivels freely.
    • The seat belt webbing is seated flatly in the guide slot.
    • The webbing does not bind.
  4. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
  5. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  6. Verify the seat belt anchor bolts to verify that the bolts are secure.
  7. Fully extend the lap belt webbing and check that there are no twists or tears in the webbing.
  8. Allow the lap belt webbing to retract. Verify that the webbing returns freely and completely back into the lower retractor.
  9. Fully extend the shoulder belt webbing and check that there are no twists or tears in the webbing.
  10. Allow the shoulder belt webbing to retract. Verify that the webbing returns freely and completely back into the upper retractor.
  11. Verify that the energy management loop, sewn into the shoulder belt webbing at the latch plate, is intact and that the yellow, replace seat belt, label is not showing. The energy management loop applies to non-European belts only.
  12. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  13. Tug sharply on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Check that the buckle remains locked.
  14. Push the button on the buckle.
  15. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    • Verify that the button returns to its original position.
  16. Fully extend the lap belt webbing. Allow the webbing to partially rewind, tug sharply on the lap webbing, check that the lap webbing will not extend.

Repeat steps 2-14 for the front passenger seat.

Emergency Locking Retractors

Caution: Perform this test in an area clear of other vehicles or obstructions. Do not conduct this test on the open road. A large, empty parking lot is suitable. Failure to observe this precaution may result in damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury.

  1. Fasten the seat belts, an assistant is needed when the retractor under test is not part of the driver seat belt.
  2. Accelerate the vehicle slowly to 16 km/h (10 mph) and the apply the brakes firmly.
  3. Verify that both the lap belt retractor and the shoulder belt retractor lock the seat belt webbing when braking firmly.
  4. If the belt webbing does not lock, proceed with the following steps:
  5. 4.1. Remove the seat belt retractor.
    4.2. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly.

    Object Number: 157277  Size: SH
    4.3. Check that the seat belt webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 15 degrees or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 45 degrees or more.
    4.4. If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor side of the seat belt.