Seat Belt Retractor: Testing and Inspection

ON-VEHICLE CHECK SEAT BELT RETRACTOR

Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) and Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)

NOTE: All seat belt retractors are of the Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) the retractor will lock and prevent the belt from extending any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractors except the driver seat belt also have an Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode. The ALR mode (also called child restraint mode) is used when installing child seats. The ALR mode is activated when the seat belt is fully extended. When the belt is then retracted partially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat belt in a specific position so the belt cannot be extended any further. To cancel the ALR mode, allow the seat belt to fully wind back into the retractor.

Check the seat belt retractors using the following test(s) to determine if a retractor assembly is operating properly.

ELR function stationary check
Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent the belt from extending further.

ALR function stationary check
1. Pull out entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
2. Retract the belt partially. A clicking noise should be heard as the belt retracts indicating retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode.
3. Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out of retractor. Belt must lock and not extend further. If NG, replace the retractor assembly.
4. Allow the entire length of belt to retract to cancel the ALR mode.

ELR function moving check

WARNING: Perform the following test in a safe, open area clear of other vehicles and obstructions (for example, a large, empty parking lot). Road surface must be paved and dry. DO NOT perform the following test on wet or gravel roads or on public streets and highways. This could result in an accident and serious personal injury. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock.

1. Fasten driver's seat belt. Buckle a passenger into the seat for the belt.
2. Proceed to the designated safe area.
3. Drive the vehicle at approximately 16 kph (10 MPH). Notify any passengers of the pending sudden stop and the driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock. Apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop.
During the stop, seat belts should lock and not extend. If the seat belt retractor assembly does not lock, perform the retractor off-vehicle check.




OFF-VEHICLE CHECK SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
1. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly.
2. Slowly pull out belt while tilting the retractor assembly forward from the mounted position without twisting the retractor assembly as shown in the illustration.
15 degrees or less tilt: Belt can be pulled out.
35 degrees or more tilt: Belt locks and cannot be pulled out.
If NG, replace the retractor assembly.