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 to the ON position. Verify proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled.
  2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure 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 seat belt 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 that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  7. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  8. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor. If the seat belt webbing will not retract, refer to Seat Belt Does Not Retract .
  9. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  10. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  11. Push the button on the buckle:
  12. • Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    • Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Repeat the inspection procedure, steps 2-10, from the front passenger seat.

Test the function of the automatic locking child restraint feature, if equipped:

  1. To engage the automatic locking feature, pull the belt to the fully extended position. Allow the belt to retract to the proper position for the child seat and fasten the latch plate to the buckle. As the belt retracts, a ratcheting sound should be heard.
  2. To disengage the automatic locking feature, allow the belt to retract to the fully stowed position. Before the belt is completely stowed, the cinch feature will reset, the ratcheting sound will stop and the belt will extract freely.