GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

Important:  If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision for additional information.

The vehicle has two seat belts that are the primary means of occupant restraint. The seat belts help to keep the occupants inside the passenger compartment and to gradually reduce the impact forces during the following events:

    • Frontal impact type collisions
    • Rear impact type collisions
    • Side impact type collisions
    • Roll-over type collisions

Both seat belt retractors have emergency locks. The seat belt retractors remain unlocked during normal operation and under normal driving conditions in order to allow free movement to the upper body of each occupant. The seat belt retractor mechanism emergency lock engages preventing any movement of the seat belt when the following conditions occur:

    • A rapid extraction of the seat belt webbing from the retractor
    • An abrupt change in vehicle speed
    • An abrupt change in vehicle direction
    • Operation of the vehicle on a steep upgrade
    • Operation of the vehicle on a downgrade

Seat Belt System

The front seat belt system includes the following components:

    • The driver and passenger seat belt retractors which are located behind the centre pillar lower trim panels and are attached to the vehicle body.
    • The driver and passenger seat belt pretensioner buckles which are attached to the console side of the seat frame.
    • The seat belt reminder switch in the drivers seat belt buckle.

The driver and passenger seat belt pretensioner buckles are controlled by the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). In the event of a front, rear or angled impact the SDM deploys the driver and passenger seat belt pretensioners. When deployed the pretensioner decreases in length tightening the seat belt and securing the occupant into the seat, reducing the severity and extent of injuries. The driver's seat belt switch in the driver seat buckle controls a seat belt reminder warning lamp and an audible chime.

Child Seat Restraint System

Important: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the passenger air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. NEVER use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, ALWAYS move the passenger seat as far back as it will go and then install the child restraint. Be sure the child restraint position does not conflict with any additional requirements provided by the manufacturer. For more information, refer to the vehicle owners manual and the instruction that came with the child restraint.

The child seat may only be used in a forward facing seating location. The child seat should be installed and secured according to the manufacturer's directions. If the child seat has a top strap, the seat will need to be anchored.

Fasten Safety Belt Indicator (ISO Symbol) (Red)

The seat belt reminder switch is wired to the SDM, which sends a message via GMLAN to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) on the status of the seat belt buckle. The IPC activates the seat belt warning lamp and an audible chime. If the seat belt is not fastened when the ignition is ON, the seat belt warning lamp will illuminate and a chime will sound for approximately 20 seconds. If the seat belt is not fastened and the vehicle speed reaches 25 Km/h, the seat belt warning lamp will flash, the chime will sound and the Fasten Seat Belt message is displayed in the drivers multi function display until the seat belt is fastened.