Seat Belts - Automatic: Description

The Passive Restraint System operates electrically. After entering the vehicle, closing the door and turning the ignition to the ON position, signals from the door ajar switch(s) are sent to the control module. The control module interprets this input and actuates the retractor motor(s) to cause the shoulder belt(s) to slide along a belt track starting at the front body A-pillar (OFF position) and moving rearward to its locked position at the B-pillar (ON position).

The shoulder belt will automatically adjust itself to allow comfort and freedom of movement. It will lock tight only under heavy braking or impacts of approximately 3 mph (5km/h) or more.

When a door is opened, the shoulder belt carrier will move forward to the OFF position regardless of the position of the ignition switch. When the inertia switch is activated due to an accident or hard braking, the shoulder belt will stay in the ON position.

Most servicing of the passive restraint system is broken into two parts, the A-pillar limit switch and the track/motor assembly. The track/motor assembly contains the B-pillar limit switch.

A manual override cranking lever is used for emergency operation of the passive restraint system retractor motor.