Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation

The active restraints on the front and rear seats are three-point seat belt systems. Manual fastening of the continuous seat belt employs both the lap and shoulder restraint. Seat belts should always be worn by the driver and passenger(s). Each seating position has:

- Belt Buckle
- Slip Tongue
- Continuous Seat Belt
- Locking Retractor Mechanism
- Belt Guide
- Anchor Hardware

The belt system allows freedom of movement, locking only on hard braking, hard cornering, or impacts of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) or more.

Seat Belt Warning Indicator Function
The seat belt system incorporates a warning chime and indicator warning lamp. The chime is grounded by a switch in the buckle for the driver's seat belt. The warning chime will sound for approximately eight seconds unless the driver's belt is fastened. The indicator lamp remains on for approximately 10 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON, whether or not the driver's seat belt is fastened.





Belt Buckle

WARNING: THE SEAT BELT PROVIDES THE MAXIMUM PROTECTION WHEN THE SEAT BACK IS UPRIGHT AND THE OCCUPANT IS SITTING UPRIGHT IN THE SEAT. THE LAP RESTRAINT SHOULD FIT SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE AROUND THE HIPS. THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT SHOULD BE WORN ON THE OUTSIDE SHOULDER ONLY AND FIT SNUG AGAINST THE CHEST. THE OCCUPANTS KNEES SHOULD BE STRAIGHT FORWARD. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS MAY INCREASE THE CHANCE AND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the inboard side of each front seat. The rear seat buckles are mounted as an assembly to the floor pan under the rear seat cushion.

NOTE: After unbuckling the belt, it is recommended that care be taken while it is retracting to prevent the buckle from striking other passengers, trim panels or painted surfaces.

Fastening the seat belt tongue and buckle secures the occupant with both the lap and shoulder restraint. This is accomplished by pulling the seat belt tongue across the occupant and locking it in the proper belt buckle. Pushing the release button on the buckle allows the seat belt tongue to be unlatched from the buckle.





Locking Retractor Mechanism
The seat belt retractors are designed to allow the seat belt move in and out freely, but lock during hard braking, hard cornering, or impact to the vehicle of 8 km/h (5 mph) or more.





The front seat belt retractor is mounted to the quarter panel. The seat belt extends to the B-pillar anchor, through a belt guide, to the floor anchor. The rear seat belt retractor is mounted to the quarter panel and the rear strut tower. The seat belt extends directly to the floor anchor in the outer pivot pin bracket for the fold down rear seat back.