Nissan Sentra Service Manual: Basic inspection - Seat belt (2024)

Component inspection

Inspection

AFTER A COLLISION

WARNING:

Inspect all seat belt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware after any collision.

NISSAN/INFINITI recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replacedunless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Failureto do so could result in serious personal injury in an accident. Seat belt assemblies not in use duringa collision should also be replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Seat belt pretensionersshould be replaced even if the seat belts are not in use during a frontal collision in whichthe air bags are deployed.

• Replace any seat belt assembly (including anchor bolts) if:
• The seat belt was in use at the time of a collision (except for minor collisions and the belts, retractors andbuckles show no damage and continue to operate properly).
• The seat belt was damaged in an accident (i.e. torn webbing, bent retractor or guide, etc.).
• The seat belt attaching point is damaged in an accident. Inspect the seat belt attaching area for damage ordistortion and repair if necessary before installing a new seat belt assembly.
• Anchor bolts are deformed or worn out.
• The seat belt pre-tensioner should be replaced even if the seat belts are not in use during the collision inwhich the air bags are deployed.

PRELIMINARY CHECKS

1. Check the seat belt warning lamp for proper operation per the following:

1. Turn ignition switch ON. The seat belt warning lamp should illuminate.
2. Fasten driver seat belt. The seat belt warning lamp should turn OFF

2. If the air bag warning lamp is blinking, perform self-diagnosis with CONSULT and air bag warning lamp.

   Refer to SRC-16, "Trouble Diagnosis with CONSULT".

3. Check that the seat belt retractor, seat belt anchor and buckle bolts are tightened firmly.
4. Check the shoulder seat belt guide and shoulder belt height adjuster for front seats. Check that guideswivels freely and that webbing lays flat and does not bind in guide. Check that height adjuster operatesproperly and holds securely.
5. Check retractor operation:

1. Fully extend the seat belt webbing and check for twists, tears or other damage.
2. Allow the seat belt to retract. Check that webbing returns smoothly and completely into the retractor. If theseat belt does not return smoothly, wipe the inside of the loops with a clean paper cloth. Dirt build-up in theloops of the upper anchors can cause the seat belts to retract slowly.
3. Fasten the seat belt. Check that seat belt returns smoothly and completely to the retractor. If the webbingdoes not return smoothly, the cause may be an accumulation of dust or dirt. Use the “SEAT BELT TAPESET” and perform the following steps.
4. Inspect the front seat belt D-ring anchor

• Pull the seat belt out to a length of 500 mm (19.69 in) or more
• Hold the seat belt at the center pillar webbing opening with a clip or other device.
• Pass a thin wire through the D-ring anchor webbing opening. Hold both ends of the wire and pull ittightly while moving it up and down several times along the webbing opening surface to remove dirtstuck there.
• Any dirt that cannot be removed with the wire can be removed by cleaning the opening with a cleancloth.
• Apply tape at the point where the webbing contacts the D-ring anchor webbing opening.

NOTE:

Apply the tape so that there is no slack or wrinkling.

• Remove the clip holding the seat belt and check that the webbing returns smoothly.

6. Repeat steps above if necessary to check the other seat belts.

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON-VEHICLE CHECK

Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) and Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)

NOTE:

All seat belt retractors are Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) theretractor will lock and prevent the webbing from extending any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractorsexcept the driver seat belt also have an Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode. The ALR mode (alsocalled child restraint mode) is used when installing child seats. The ALR mode is activated when the seat beltis fully extended. When the webbing is then retracted partially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat beltin a specific position so the webbing cannot be extended any further. To cancel the ALR mode, allow the seatbelt to fully wind back into the retractor.

Check the seat belt retractors with the following test(s) to determine if a retractor assembly is operating properly.

ELR Function Stationary Check

Grasp the shoulder webbing and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent the belt fromextending further.

ALR Function Stationary Check

1. Pull out the entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
2. Retract the webbing partially. A clicking noise should be heard as the webbing retracts, indicating that theretractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode.
3. Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out the retractor. The webbing must lock and not extend any further. If itdoes not operate normally, replace the retractor assembly.
4. Allow the entire length of the webbing to retract to cancel the automatic locking mode

ELR Function Moving Check

WARNING:

Perform the following test in a safe, open area clear of other vehicles and obstructions (for example, alarge, empty parking lot). Road surface must be paved and dry. Do not perform the following test onwet or gravel roads or on public streets and highways. This could result in an accident and seriouspersonal injury. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event that theretractor does not lock.

1. Fasten driver seat belt. Buckle a passenger into the seat for the belt that is to be tested.
2. Proceed to the designated safe area.
3. Drive the vehicle at approximately 16 km/h (10 mph). Notify any passengers of a pending sudden stopand the driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event that the retractor doesnot lock. Apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop.

During stopping, seat belts should lock and not be extended. If the seat belt retractor assembly does not lock,perform the retractor off-vehicle check.

FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR OFF-VEHICLE CHECK

1. Remove the front seat belt retractor. Refer to SB-8, "Removal and Installation".
2. Slowly pull out webbing while tilting the seat belt retractor forward from the mounted position without twistingthe seat belt retractor as shown.

1. The webbing can be pulled out if the retractor is tilted 15В°degree or less.
2. The webbing can not be pulled out if the retractor is tilted 45В°degrees or more.

NOTE:

A and B show tilting angles.

Front

3. Replace the seat belt retractor if it does not operate within specifications.

REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR OFF-VEHICLE CHECK

1. Remove the rear seat belt retractor. Refer to SB-11, "Removal and Installation - Seat Belt Retractor".
2. Slowly pull out webbing while tilting the seat belt retractor forward from the mounted position without twistingthe seat belt retractor as shown.

1. The webbing can be pulled out if the retractor is tilted 15В°degree or less.
2. The webbing can not be pulled out if the retractor is tilted 35В°degrees or more.

NOTE:

A and B show tilting angles.

Front

3. Replace the seat belt retractor if it does not operate within specifications.