FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Safety Belt Retractor and Pretensioner

SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR AND PRETENSIONER

The front safety belt retractors use a safety belt pretensioner system. This works in conjunction with the front air bag system mounted in the steering wheel and instrument panel. The pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that removes excess webbing slack from the safety belt. When the pretensioner deploys in the retractor, excess slack is removed from the lap and shoulder safety belt. The pretensioners are activated when the restraints control module (RCM) detects an impact force exceeding a programmed limit.

If the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of the safety belt retractor pretensioners, a new driver and passenger seat belt system (including safety belt buckle pretensioners or safety belt retractor and pretensioners, safety belt retractors, safety belts, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed.