Seat Belt System Chevrolet Impala VIII

SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

SCHEMATIC & ROUTING DIAGRAMS

Note. For wiring schematics, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS (IMPALA) or SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS (MONTE CARLO) .

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Diagnostic Starting Point - Seat Belts

Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the Seat Belt System Description & Operation .

Reviewing the description and operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the description and operation information will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation.

Refer to Symptoms - Seat Belts in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

Operational & Functional Checks

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

Perform the following inspection from the driver seat

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Verify the proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled. Refer to «Seat Belt System Description & Operation»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) .
2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following conditions are met: The shoulder belt guide swivels freely. The seat belt webbing is seated flatly in the guide slot. The seat belt webbing does not bind.
3. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
4. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
5. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
6. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
7. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor.
8. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
9. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
10. Push the button on the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle. Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Repeat the inspection procedure found in steps 2-10 for the front passenger seat.

Perform the following steps in order to inspect the center seat belts

1. Verify that the center seat belts are accessible.
2. Verify that the center seat belts have no twists or tears in the webbing.
3. Snap the center seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
4. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
5. Push the button on the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle. Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Repeat the inspection procedure found in steps 2-10 for the rear seats.

Repeat the center seat belt inspection procedure found in steps 1-5 for the rear seat.

Emergency Locking Retractors

Scheme 3

1. Fasten the seat belts. Use an assistant when the retractor under test is not part of the driver seat belt.
2. Accelerate the vehicle slowly to 16 km/h (10 mph) and apply the brakes firmly.
3. Verify that the seat belt locks when braking firmly.
4. If the belt does not lock, proceed with the following steps: 4.1. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly. 4.2. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly. 4.3. Ensure that the seat belt webbing can be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 15 degrees or less and cannot be pulled from the retractor at an inclination of 45 degrees or more. 4.4. If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly. Refer to one of the following procedures: See «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front (Impala)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) or «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Left Front (Monte Carlo)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) . See «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front (Impala)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) or «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Right Front (Monte Carlo)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) . See «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Rear (Impala)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) or «Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Rear (Monte Carlo)»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) .

Symptoms - Seat Belts

Important: Review the seat belt system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system and how it functions. Refer to Seat Belt System Description & Operation .

Visual/Physical Inspection

1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the seat belt system. Refer to «CHECKING AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/accessories-control-systems/#wiring-systems-general-information__checking-aftermarket-accessories) .
2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT & POOR CONNECTIONS .

Symptom List

Refer to the following symptom diagnostic procedure in order to diagnose the symptom

See Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction .

Scheme 4

Seat Belt Service Precautions

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

1. Do not bleach or dye the seat belt webbing. Use only the following items in order to clean the seat belt webbing. A mild soap and water solution A soft brush or cloth
2. Keep sharp edges and damaging objects away from the seat belts. Avoid bending or damaging any part of the seat belt buckle or latch plate.
3. Replace any seat belts which are cut or damaged in any way.
4. Use only correct seat belt anchor bolts and screws. Tighten the bolts and the screws to the correct torque value. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system__specifications) . When installing the seat belt anchor bolts, start the bolt by hand in order to ensure that the bolt is threaded straight.
5. Some seat belts and retractors must be serviced as a set with service replacement parts only. Do not attempt to make repairs to the individual components which are only serviced as a set.
6. Verify that the replacement part number is correct for the vehicle at that seating position. Do not substitute a seat belt from a different seating position.

REPAIRS & INSPECTIONS REQUIRED AFTER A COLLISION

After a minor collision where no automatic restraint device was deployed, seat belt system replacement may not be necessary, unless some of the parts are torn, worn, or damaged.

Scheme 5

1. Position the left front seat to the forward position.
2. Remove the nut from the seat belt buckle anchor stud.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the seat belt buckle.
4. Remove the seat belt buckle from the left front seat.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the seat belt buckle to the left front seat.
2. Install the nut to the seat belt anchor stud. Tighten the seat belt buckle anchor nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Connect the electrical connector to the seat belt buckle.
4. Position the left front seat to the original position.

Scheme 6

1. Remove the front seat. Important: When drilling out the rivet do not enlarge the rivet hole.
2. Using a 6.35 mm (1/4 in) drill bit, drill out the rivet that retains the front seat belt buckle to the rear of the front seat track.
3. Remove the front seat belt buckle from the front seat track.

1. Position the front seat belt buckle anchor to the front seat track. Important: The rivet is only used for installation alignment.
2. Install the new rivet which secures the front seat belt buckle to the rear of the front seat track.
3. Install the front seat.

Scheme 7

1. Position the right front seat to the forward position.
2. Remove the nut from the seat belt buckle anchor stud.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the seat belt buckle.
4. Remove the seat belt buckle from the right front seat.

1. Install the seat belt buckle to the right front seat.
2. Install the nut to the seat belt anchor stud. Tighten the seat belt buckle anchor nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Connect the electrical connector to the seat belt buckle.
4. Position the right front seat to the original position.

Scheme 8

1. Remove the rear seat cushion.
2. Remove the nuts (1) from the center rear seat belts.
3. Remove the center rear seat belts from the vehicle.

1. Position the center rear seat belts to the anchor studs.
2. Install the nuts (1) to the rear seat center belts. Tighten the nuts to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Install the rear seat cushion.

Scheme 9

1. Remove the center pillar upper trim panel.
2. Remove the shoulder belt guide adjuster bracket bolts.
3. Remove the shoulder belt guide belt adjuster bracket from the center pillar.

Important: Verify that the release lever is at the top of the adjuster bracket in the full up position.

1. Position the shoulder belt guide adjuster bracket to the center pillar.
2. Install the bracket bolts to the shoulder belt guide adjuster. Tighten the bracket bolts to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Install the trim panel for the upper center pillar.

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

1. Remove the seat belt anchor nut from the seat stud.
2. Open the seat belt guide loop cover.
3. Remove the nut from seat belt guide loop.
4. Remove the seat belt guide loop from the guide adjuster bracket.
5. Remove the center pillar lower trim.
6. Remove the bolts from the seat belt intermediate guide.
7. Remove the seat belt intermediate guide from the center pillar.
8. Remove the seat belt retractor bolt.
9. Remove the seat belt retractor from the center pillar.

1. Install the seat belt retractor into the T-slot in the center pillar.
2. Install the seat belt retractor bolt. Tighten the seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
3. Install the seat belt intermediate guide to the center pillar.
4. Install the seat belt intermediate guide bolts. Tighten the seat belt intermediate guide bolts to 10 N.m (89 in lbs).
5. Install the center pillar lower trim.
6. Position the seat belt guide loop to the guide adjuster bracket.
7. Install the nut to the seat belt guide loop. Tighten the nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
8. Close the seat belt guide loop cover.
9. Install the seat belt anchor nut to the seat stud. Tighten the nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. Remove the seat belt anchor nut from the seat stud.
2. Remove the seat belt (2) from the seat belt guide (1) through the slit in the guide.
3. Open the seat belt guide loop cover.
4. Remove the seat belt guide loop bolt.
5. Remove the seat belt guide loop from the inner upper quarter.
6. Remove the rear quarter lower trim panel.
7. Remove the trim cover from the rear quarter lower trim panel.
8. Remove the seat belt through the opening in the rear quarter lower trim panel.
9. Remove the bolt from the seat belt retractor.
10. Remove the seat belt retractor from the rear quarter inner panel.
11. Pull back the carpet.
12. Remove the bolt from the seat belt anchor.
13. Remove the seat belt from the vehicle.

1. Install the seat belt anchor to the vehicle
2. Install the anchor bolt to the seat belt buckle. Tighten the anchor bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Return the carpet to the original position.
4. Install the seat belt retractor to the rear quarter inner panel.
5. Install the bolt to the seat belt retractor. Tighten the seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
6. Install the seat belt through the opening in the rear quarter lower trim panel.
7. Install the trim cover to the rear quarter lower trim panel.
8. Install the rear quarter lower trim panel.
9. Position the guide loop to the rear quarter inner panel.
10. Install the guide loop bolt. Tighten the guide loop bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
11. Close the seat belt guide loop cover.
12. Install the seat belt anchor nut to the seat stud. Tighten the nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

1. Remove the seat belt anchor nut from the seat stud.
2. Open the seat belt guide loop cover.
3. Remove the nut from guide loop.
4. Remove the seat belt guide loop from the guide adjuster bracket.
5. Remove the center pillar lower trim.
6. Remove the bolts from the seat belt intermediate guide.
7. Remove the seat belt intermediate guide from the center pillar.
8. Remove the seat belt retractor bolt.
9. Remove the seat belt retractor from the center pillar.

1. Install the seat belt retractor into the T-slot in the center pillar.
2. Install the seat belt retractor bolt. Tighten the seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
3. Install the seat belt intermediate guide to the center pillar.
4. Install the seat belt intermediate guide bolts. Tighten the seat belt intermediate guide bolts to 10 N.m (89 in lbs).
5. Install the center pillar lower trim.
6. Position the seat belt guide loop to the guide adjuster bracket.
7. Install the nut to the seat belt guide loop. Tighten the seat belt guide loop nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
8. Close the seat belt guide loop cover.
9. Install the seat belt anchor nut to the seat stud. Tighten the nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

1. Remove the seat belt anchor nut from the seat stud.
2. Remove the seat belt (2) from the seat belt guide (1) through the slit in the guide.
3. Open the seat belt guide loop cover.
4. Remove the seat belt guide loop bolt.
5. Remove the seat belt guide loop from the inner upper quarter.
6. Remove the rear quarter lower trim panel.
7. Remove the trim cover from the rear quarter lower trim panel.
8. Remove the seat belt through the opening in the rear quarter lower trim panel.
9. Remove the bolt from the seat belt retractor.
10. Remove the seat belt retractor from the rear quarter inner panel.
11. Remove the bolt from the seat belt anchor.
12. Remove the seat belt from the vehicle.

1. Install the seat belt anchor to the vehicle.
2. Install the bolt to the seat belt anchor. Tighten the seat belt anchor bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
3. Install the seat belt retractor to the rear quarter inner panel.
4. Install the bolt to the seat belt retractor. Tighten the seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
5. Install the seat belt through the opening in the rear quarter lower trim panel.
6. Install the trim cover to the rear quarter lower trim panel.
7. Install the rear quarter lower trim panel.
8. Position the seat belt guide loop to the rear quarter inner panel.
9. Install the guide loop bolt. Tighten the seat belt guide loop bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
10. Close the seat belt guide loop cover.
11. Install the seat belt anchor nut to the seat stud. Tighten the nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).

Scheme 23

1. Remove the rear shelf trim panel.
2. Remove the rear quarter lower trim panel.
3. Remove the rear seat retractor seat belt bolt.
4. Remove the rear seat belt anchor bolt.
5. Remove the rear seat belt retractor from the vehicle.

Important: The anti-rotation tab must be in the proper hole in the rear shelf.

1. Install the rear seat retractor side belt to the vehicle.
2. Install the rear seat belt retractor bolt. Tighten the rear seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
3. Install the rear seat belt anchor bolt. Tighten the rear seat belt anchor bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
4. Install the rear quarter lower trim panel.
5. Install the rear shelf trim panel.

Scheme 24

1. Remove the rear shelf trim panel.
2. Remove the rear seat retractor seat belt bolt.
3. Remove the rear seat belt anchor bolt.
4. Remove the rear seat belt retractor from the vehicle.

Important: The anti-rotation tab must be in the proper hole in the rear shelf.

1. Install the rear seat retractor side belt to the vehicle.
2. Install the rear seat belt retractor bolt. Tighten the rear seat belt retractor bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
3. Install the rear seat belt anchor bolt. Tighten the rear seat belt anchor bolt to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
4. Install the rear shelf rim panel.

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the rear shelf trim panel.
2. Remove the rear seat retractor seat belt bolt.
3. Remove the rear seat belt retractor from the vehicle.

Important: The anti-rotation tab must be in the proper hole in the rear shelf.

1. Position the center, rear seat belt retractor on the rear shelf.
2. Install the rear seat belt retractor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68 N.m (50 ft lbs).
3. Install the rear shelf trim panel.

Important: The child seat belt bracket can be replaced only on fixed seat backs. On fold down seats the bracket is part of the seat back frame.

1. Remove the rear seat back.
2. Remove the rear center seat belts. Refer to «Seat Belt Replacement - Center Rear»(/chevrolet/impala/viii-1999-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system) .
3. Remove the bracket nut (1) located between the center seat belts.
4. Remove the bolts (2) from each end of the bracket.
5. Remove the bracket from the vehicle.

1. Position the bracket in the vehicle.
2. Apply a thread sealant, GM P/N USA 12345382 Canada 10953489, Loctite 242, Permatex 24200 to the threads of the bolts (2).
3. Install the bolts (2) to each end of the bracket. Tighten the child seat latch bracket bolts to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
4. Install the bracket nut (1) between the center seat belts. Tighten the child seat latch bracket nut to 42 N.m (31 ft lbs).
5. Install the rear center seat belts.
6. Install the rear seat back.

Important: The child seat tether brackets have an anti-rotation tab. For Impala only, you must rotate this tab 90 degrees (Impala only) in order to remove or install the tether to the rear shelf.

Scheme 25

1. Remove the rear shelf trim panel.
2. Remove the screws from the child seat tether brackets.
3. For Impala only, rotate the child seat tether brackets 90 degrees in order to remove the child seat tether brackets from the slot.
4. Remove the child seat tether brackets from the rear shelf.

1. Position the child seat tether brackets to the slot in the rear shelf.
2. For Impala only, rotate the child seat tether brackets 90 degrees in order to install the child seat tether brackets into the slot.
3. Install the screws to the child seat tether brackets. Tighten the screws to 20 N.m (15 ft lbs).
4. Install the rear shelf trim panel.

Child Shoulder Belt Guide Rerouter Replacement - Rear (Impala)

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

Scheme 26

1. Push back the rear seat back.
2. Use J 38778 in order to remove the push-pin retainer from the child shoulder belt guide rerouter.
3. Remove the child shoulder belt guide rerouter from the rear quarter lower trim panel.

1. Push back the rear seat back.
2. Align the child shoulder belt guide rerouter to the rear quarter lower trim panel.
3. Install the push-pin retainer to the child shoulder belt guide rerouter.

Child Shoulder Belt Guide Rerouter Replacement - Rear (Monte Carlo)

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

Scheme 27

1. Push back the rear seat back.
2. Use J 38778 in order to remove the push-pin retainer from the child shoulder belt guide rerouter using the.
3. Remove the child shoulder belt guide rerouter from the rear quarter lower trim panel.

1. Push back the rear seat back.
2. Align the child shoulder belt guide rerouter to the rear quarter rear quarter lower trim panel.
3. Install the push-pin retainer to the child shoulder belt guide rerouter.

Fasten Safety Belt Indicator

The IPC illuminates the fasten safety belt indicator when the following occurs

1. The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects that the driver's seat belt is unbuckled. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the SDM requesting illumination. The IPC illuminates the indicator for 20 seconds and then flashes the indicator for 55 seconds. The IPC also sends a class 2 message to the radio in order to activate the audible warning.
2. The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
3. The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the SDM.

Restraint System

Seat belts are the primary means of occupant restraint. Seat belts help to keep the occupant(s) inside the passenger compartment and to gradually reduce the impact forces during the following events

1. Frontal impact type crashes
2. Rear impact type crashes
3. Side impact type crashes
4. Roll-over type crashes

All seat belt retractors have emergency locks. The retractors remain unlocked during normal operation and under normal driving conditions. The retractors remain unlocked during normal conditions in order to allow free movement of the upper body of each occupant. A pendulum locks the seat belt webbing into position. The pendulum causes a locking bar to engage a cog on the spool of the retractor mechanism when the following conditions occur

1. A rapid extraction of the seat belt webbing from the retractor
2. An abrupt change in vehicle speed
3. An abrupt change in vehicle direction
4. Operation of the vehicle on a steep upgrade
5. Operation of the vehicle on a downgrade

The seat belts have an automatic locking (cinch) feature. The cinch feature is activated when the seat belt webbing is completely extended from the retractor. The cinch feature prevents the webbing from extending beyond the position from which it is allowed to retract. Use of the cinch feature is recommended for securing a child seat. The cinch feature may be cancelled by allowing the webbing to wind back completely into the retractor. After the cinch feature is cancelled, the webbing is unlocked.

After the cinch feature is cancelled, the webbing will extend from the retractor. This vehicle is also equipped with a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system.

The front seat belts on sedans are equipped with an adjustable shoulder belt guide loop. The shoulder belt can be adjusted to 1 of the 4 positions by a release switch located at the center pillar. The release switch permits adjustment of the shoulder belt to the height of the occupant. The front passenger seat and the rear seat retractors are dual-mode type retractors with emergency locking and automatic features. The automatic locking feature is for use with a child seat. The front seat belt system includes the following components

1. The driver and the passenger seat belt retractors. The driver and passenger seat belt retractors are located and attached on the center pillar post in all coupes and sedans.
2. The front seat center, driver, and passenger buckle belts. These buckle belts are located between the two front seats and are attached to the seat.
3. The driver's seat belt switch. The seat belt system includes a seat belt switch in the driver seat belt buckle which controls the fasten safety belt indicator and a tone alarm.

The rear seat belt system includes the following components

1. The rear seat belt retractors. The rear seat belt retractors are located under the rear deck trim panel. The rear seat belt retractors are attached to the rear deck body panel.
2. The rear seat center and outer seat buckle belts. The rear seat center and outer seat buckle belts are located in the center of the lower seat cushion and are attached to the rear floor pan.

Scheme 28

See also:
• CHECKING AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES
• TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT & POOR CONNECTIONS
• Seat Belt System Description & Operation
• Symptoms - Seat Belts
• Repairs & Inspections Required After A Collision
• SPECIFICATIONS