Seat Belt Latch Plate - Retaining Button Missing

Reference:
ITB99-016

Classification:
RS99-002

Date:
April 15, 1999

1999 G20, 1996-99 I30, 1997-99 Q45 AND 1997-99 QX4 FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING

APPLIED VEHICLES:
1999 G20 (P11)
1996-99 I30 (CA32)
1997-99 Q45 (FY33)
1997-99 QX4 (JR50)

SERVICE INFORMATION

If the front seat belt latch plate slides to the end of the seat belt, sliding down the belt to the floor at the base of the B pillar, it may be due to a missing or damaged retaining button. This button is required to hold the seat belt latch plate at the shoulder location, preventing it from sliding to the floor when the belt is released.

If an applied vehicle experiences this condition due to loss or damage of the seat belt latch plate retaining button and the seat belt and retractor are in serviceable condition, use this bulletin to replace the retaining button.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Locate the original latch plate retaining button position and carefully remove any broken pieces.





FIGURE 1





TABLE 1

CAUTION: It is important that the replacement button be positioned exactly where the original button was placed at the factory. Figure 1 shows the location of the button, and Table 1 provides the dimensions from the end of the belt. Use the existing hole whenever Possible.

2. Verify the seat belt is not "twisted" by sitting in the seat and latching seat belt. Correct twisted condition before beginning button replacement.

3. Determine the original retaining button position by either finding the witness mark for the old button or by using the information contained in Figure 1 and Table 1.

4. Position the seat belt latch plate higher than the button position (i.e., between the button and the shoulder anchor loop.





FIGURE 2

5. Insert the male portion of the button, at the original position, into the belt from the plastic side of the latch plate (see Figure 2).





FIGURE 3

6. On the opposite side of the belt, on the metal side (see Figure 2) of the latch plate, fit the other piece of the button over the protruding pin (see Figure 3).





FIGURE 4

7. Using an adjustable wrench with smooth jaws placed as shown in Figure 4, finger tighten the jaws.

CAUTION: Do not use pliers to squeeze or compress the button halves together. This can scratch and/or damage the button.

8. Using waterpump pliers, tighten the adjustable wrench, compressing the button to approximately 0.2 in. (5.4-5.8 mm) thickness (see Figure 4).

9. Make sure the pin from the male portion of the button is securely crimped (see Figure 2) to hold the other half of the button in place.

10. Confirm that the seat belt latch plate cannot slide past the button and it is held at shoulder height when the seatbelt is retracted.

11. Sitting in the seat, extend and buckle the seat belt in it's normal restraining position. Release the belt, allowing it to retract.

12. If the seat belt retracts slowly or does not return to the fully retracted position, inspect the D ring located on the B pillar for residue buildup on the underside of the belt.





FIGURE 5

13. Remove any residue buildup using a piece of cheese cloth or cotton gauze (such as found in a First Aid Kit). Insert the cloth under the seat belt, between the belt and the D ring, and slide it back and forth over the D ring where it contacts the seat belt (see Figure 5) until all residue is removed.

CAUTION: DO NOT use solvents to clean surfaces, the seat belt material will be damaged.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION