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Info - Correct Location When Servicing Right Side 2nd Row Seat Belt Upper Anchor Bolt

Subject:Correct Location When Servicing Right Side 2nd Row Seat Belt Upper Anchor Bolt

Models:1997-2004 Chevrolet Venture
1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1997-2004 Pontiac Montana



The following information should be used when checking proper seat belt operation or when replacing the right side 2nd row seat belt assembly. Some of the above listed vehicles may experience a condition where the 2nd row right side seat belt retractor will not release. When the seat belts are fully extended, they go into a automatic locking mode, or cinch feature. This cinch feature enables the seat belts to stay tight and restrain child seats developed before the advent of LATCH seats. The cinch feature is engaged by fully extending the seat belt from the retractor. Once engaged, the seat belt can retract, but cannot be extended again until the clinch feature is cancelled. The cinch feature is cancelled when the seat belt has fully retracted.

There are 4 different seating configurations for the second row and two different positions for the seat belt upper anchor bolt. Captain's chairs and bucket seats use the lower anchor position, while split and full bench seats use the upper position. If a seat belt designed for the bucket or captains chair is installed in the upper position, it cannot retract far enough to release the cinch feature. If you have a captain's chair or bucket with a seat belt retractor that will not release, check to make sure that the upper anchor bolt is in the lower position on the C-pillar. The bolts are reusable and self-tapping.