Service Procedure

A. Inspection -- Front Outboard Passenger Belt Buckle Latch Operation

1. Without the shoulder/lap belt tip engaged in the buckle, depress the belt buckle release button several times to ensure that the button operates smoothly through its full travel, with no restriction or binding.


2. Latch and unlatch the shoulder/lap belt tip in the buckle several times to ensure smooth and positive tip-to-buckle engagement and release.

^ If the buckle release button does not operate smoothly or if tip engagement/release is not positive, replace the belt buckle assembly.

^ If operation is smooth and engagement/release is positive, proceed to modify the belt assembly stiffener strap as follows.


B. Belt Buckle Assembly Stiffener Strap Modification


1. Remove the front outboard passenger side seat belt buckle assembly retaining bolt and remove the assembly from the vehicle.





2. Slide the plastic belt stiffener strap out of the belt assembly scabbard (Figure 1).





3. Trim 1 inch off of the stiffener strap end (Figure 2). Smooth any rough edges with a file.





4. Slide the shortened stiffener back into the scabbard with the formed end of the stiffener bent away from the center occupant buckle of the assembly (Figure 3).





Note: Make certain that the stiffener is fully inserted into the scabbard and does not exit at the occupant buckle strap opening as shown in Figure 4.


5. Reinstall the buckle assembly on the vehicle, tightening the attachment bolt to 350 in.lbs. (40 N-m) torque.