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Seat Belt System Chevrolet Malibu VI

Restraints Control Systems 3 illustrations ~2677 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
IMPORTANT: Apply Permatex® 24200 or equivalent on all seat belt fasteners prior to installation.
Seat Belt-Front35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Buckle-Center Rear35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Buckle-Front35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Buckle-Rear35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Guide Adjuster-Front35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Retractor-Center Rear35 N.m25 lb ft
Seat Belt Retractor-Rear35 N.m25 lb ft
IMPORTANT
Apply Permatex® 24200 or equivalent on all seat belt fasteners prior to installation.

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Seat Belt Schematics
Scheme 1: Seat Belt Schematics

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Seat Belt Component Views
Scheme 2: Seat Belt Component Views
CalloutComponent Name
1Heated Seat Element - Driver Cushion (KA1)
2Seat Belt Switch
3Heated Seat Element - Driver Back (KA1)
4Seat Adjuster Switch - Driver (AG1/ASN)
5Heated Seat Switch - Driver (KA1)

Seat Belt Connector End Views

Seat Belt Connector End Views - Seat Belt Switch Connector Part Information 12047662 2-Way F Metri-Pack 150 Series (BK) Pin Wire Color Circuit No. Function A D-GN 5016 Seat Belt Switch - Left - Signal B PK 5057 Low Reference

Diagnostic Starting Point - Seat Belts

Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the Seat Belt System Description and Operation . Reviewing the description and operation information will help in determining the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the description and operation information will also help in determining 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 and Functional Checks

IMPORTANTIf the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and 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 proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled.
  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, steps 2-10, from 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 the original position.

Emergency Locking Retractors

CAUTIONPerform this test in an area clear of other vehicles or obstructions. Do not conduct this test on the open road. A large, empty parking lot is suitable. Failure to observe this precaution may result in damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3
  1. Fasten the seat belts, an assistant is needed 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. Remove the seat belt retractor assembly. Tilt the seat belt retractor slowly. 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. If the seat belt retractor does not operate as described, replace the retractor assembly.

Symptoms - Seat Belts

IMPORTANTReview the seat belt system description and operation in order to become familiarized with the system and how it functions. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and 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/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/body-electrical/#wiring-systems-specifications-component-views-and-connector-end-views__checking-aftermarket-accessories) in Wiring Systems.
  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 Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Symptom List

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

Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction

StepActionYesNo
Schematic Reference: Seat Belt Schematics
1Did you review the Seat Belt System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Seat Belts
2Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Monitor the fasten safety belt indicator while buckling and unbuckling the driver seat belt. Does the system operate properly?Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring SystemsGo to Step 3
3With the driver seat belt buckled, use a scan tool to observe the Driver Side Belt Status parameter in the SIR scan tool data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Driver Side Belt Status parameter displays Buckled?Go to Step 4Go to Step 7
4Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement in SIR. Disconnect the seat belt switch - LF connector. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Replacement - Front . Test the seat belt switch - LF signal circuit for an open or a high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 5
5Test the seat belt switch - LF ground circuit for an open or high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 6
6Test the seat belt switch - LF for an open. Replace the seat belt switch - LF if it is malfunctioning. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Replacement - Front . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 9
7Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module Replacement in SIR. Disconnect the seat belt switch - LF connector. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Replacement - Front . Test the seat belt switch - LF signal circuit for a short to voltage or a short to ground. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 8
8Test the seat belt switch - LF for a short. Replace the seat belt switch - LF if it is malfunctioning. Refer to Seat Belt Buckle Replacement - Front . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 9
9Replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 10
10Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you find and correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction

Seat Belt Service Precautions

  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. Do not bend or damage any part of the seat belt buckle or latch plate. Replace any seat belts that are cut or damaged in any manner.
  3. Use only the correct seat belt anchor bolts. Tighten the correct seat belt anchor bolt/ screw to the correct torque value. Refer to «Fastener Tightening Specifications»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system__fastener-tightening-specifications) . Begin tightening the seat belt anchor bolts by hand in order to ensure that the bolt is threaded straight.
  4. Some seat belts and retractors require service as a set with service replacement components only. Do not repair individual components that require service as a set.
  5. 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 and Inspections Required After a Collision

CAUTIONRestraint systems can be damaged in a collision. To help avoid injury and ensure that all parts in need of replacement are replaced: Replace any seat belt system that was in use during the collision serious enough to deploy any automatic restraint device such as air bags and seat belt pretensioners. This not only includes seat belt systems in use by people of adult size, but seat belt systems used to secure child restraints, infant carriers and booster seats, including LATCH system and top tether anchorages. Replace any seat belt system that has torn, worn, or damaged components. This not only includes adult seat belt systems, but built-in child restraints and LATCH system components, if any. Replace any seat belt system if you observe the words "REPLACE" or "CAUTION", or if a yellow tag is visible. Do not replace a seat belt if only the child seat caution label is visible. Replace any seat belt system if you are doubtful about its condition. This not only includes adult seat belt systems, but built-in child restraints, LATCH system components, and any restraint system used to secure infant carriers, child restraints, and booster seats. Do NOT replace single seat belt system components in vehicles that have been in a collision as described above. Always replace the entire seat belt system with the buckle, guide and retractor assembly, which includes the latch and webbing material.

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.

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the front seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Front Bucket»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the seat belt buckle fastener.
  3. Remove the seat belt buckle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the seat belt buckle.
  2. Install the seat belt buckle fastener. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the front seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Front Bucket»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the seat belt buckle fastener.
  3. Remove the seat belt buckle.
  1. Install the seat belt buckle.
  2. Install the fastener to the seat belt buckle. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the 60% rear seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the seat belt buckle fastener from under the seat cushion.
  3. Remove the seat belt buckle.
  1. Install the seat belt buckle.
  2. Install the fastener to the seat belt buckle. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the 60% rear seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.

Seat Belt Buckle Replacement - Center Rear (Sedan)

The center rear seat belt buckle is replaced with the center belt retractor. Refer to Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Center Rear (Sedan) and Seat Belt Retractor Replacement - Center Rear (Extended Sedan) .

  1. Remove the 40% side rear seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the anchor from the center seat belt buckle.
  3. Remove the center seat belt buckle from the seat assembly.
  1. Install the center seat belt buckle to the seat assembly.
  2. Install the anchor to the outer seat belt buckle. Tighten: Tighten the anchor to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the 40% side rear seat. Refer to «Seat Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the mounting nut cover from the seat belt adjuster.
  2. Remove the nuts from the seat belt adjuster.
  3. Remove the upper garnish molding from the center pillar. Refer to «Garnish Molding Replacement - Center Pillar Upper»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  4. Remove the seat belt adjuster from the vehicle.
  1. Install the seat belt adjuster to the vehicle.
  2. Install the upper garnish molding to the center pillar. Refer to «Garnish Molding Replacement - Center Pillar Upper»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  3. Install the nuts to the seat belt adjuster. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  4. Install the mounting nut cover to the seat belt adjuster.
  1. Remove the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the rear window trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) and «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  3. Remove the rear seat belt anchor.
  4. Remove the retractor fastener.
  5. Remove the retractor from the vehicle.
  1. Install the seat belt retractor to the vehicle.
  2. Install the fastener to the seat belt retractor. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the seat belt anchor. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  4. Install the rear window trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) and «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  5. Install the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the rear quarter lower trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Quarter Lower (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  2. Remove the retractor fastener.
  3. Remove the retractor from the vehicle.
  1. Install the seat belt retractor to the vehicle.
  2. Install the fastener to the seat belt retractor. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the rear quarter lower trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Quarter Lower (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  1. Remove the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the rear window trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) and «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  3. Remove the rear seat belt anchor.
  4. Remove the retractor fastener.
  5. Remove the retractor from the vehicle.
  1. Install the seat belt retractor to the vehicle.
  2. Install the fastener to the seat belt retractor. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  3. Install the seat belt anchor. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 35 N.m (25 lb ft).
  4. Install the rear window trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) and «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Window Shelf (Extended Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) in Interior Trim.
  5. Install the rear seat cushion. Refer to «Seat Cushion Replacement - Rear (Sedan)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the seat back cover and pad from the 60% side. Refer to «Seat Back Cover and Pad Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Back Cover and Pad Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the upper seat belt anchor from the seat frame.
  3. Remove the seat belt retractor anchor from the seat frame.
  4. Remove the seat belt retractor from the vehicle.
  1. Install the seat belt retractor to the vehicle.
  2. Install the seat belt retractor anchor to the seat frame.
  3. Install the upper seat belt anchor to the seat frame.
  4. Install the seat back cover and pad to the 60% side. Refer to «Seat Back Cover and Pad Replacement - Rear (60 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) and «Seat Back Cover and Pad Replacement - Rear (40 Percent Side)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  1. Remove the rear seat back trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Seat Back»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.
  2. Remove the shoulder belt guide fasteners from the seat frame.
  3. Remove the shoulder belt guide from the seat assembly.
  1. Install the shoulder belt guide to the seat assembly.
  2. Install the shoulder belt guide fasteners to the seat frame.
  3. Install the rear seat back trim panel. Refer to «Trim Panel Replacement - Rear Seat Back»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seat-system) in Seats.

Restraint System

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

Seat belts are the primary means of occupant restraint.

Seat belts help to keep occupants inside the passenger compartment and 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 the vehicle speed
  3. An abrupt change in the vehicle direction
  4. Operation of the vehicle on a steep upgrade
  5. Operation of the vehicle on a steep downgrade

The front seat belt system includes a driver and a passenger inflatable restraint seat belt retractor pretensioner and buckle. For additional information on seat belt pretensioners, refer to SIR System Description and Operation in SIR.

The drivers seat belt system, includes a seat belt switch in the driver seat buckle which controls a reminder lamp and a tone alarm.

  1. When the driver seat belt is buckled, the drivers door is closed, and the ignition switch is turned ON, the following events will occur: The tone alarm will not operate. The reminder lamp will not operate.
  2. When the drivers seat belt is not buckled, the drivers door is closed, and the ignition switch is in ON position, the following events will occur: The tone alarm will operate for 4-8 seconds and then go OFF. The reminder lamp will operate for 20 seconds, until the driver seat belt is buckled.

The rear seat belt system includes the following components

  1. The rear seat belt retractor is located under the rear trim panel and is attached to the rear body pillar.
  2. The center rear seat belt buckle and the outer seat belt buckle are located in the center of the seat cushion.

Child Seat Restraint System

CAUTIONA child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right-front passengers 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 front 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 manufacturers directions. If the child seat has a top strap, the seat will need to be anchored. Passengers should not be allowed to sit at locations where the seat belts are being used to secure the child seat.

This seat belt system has an automatic locking feature, or cinch feature. The cinch feature is recommended for securing a child seat. 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 cinch feature is cancelled. The cinch feature is cancelled when the seat belt has fully retracted.

If a child seat is to be used in the second seat position, a special dealer-installed anchor must be used in order to anchor the child seat top strap. (This only applies to the seats designed with the top strap provision and for the vehicles sold in Canada). In order to ensure the correct top strap angle, the child seat is only to be used at the seating position for which the top strap anchor is installed.

Fasten Safety Belt Indicator

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

  1. The body control module (BCM) detects that the drivers seat belt is unbuckled. The BCM sends a message to the IPC via the serial peripheral interface (SPI) requesting illumination. The IPC illuminates the indicator for 20 seconds and then flashes the indicator for 55 seconds. The BCM also sends the GMLAN message to the radio in order to activate an audible warning.
  2. The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle as commanded by the BCM. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
  3. The IPC detects a loss of SPI communications with the BCM.