Document ID: 2069483
Warning: Restraint 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.
Document ID: 2211154
Inspection Procedure
- Remove the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement.
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.
- Inspect the steering column shear pin (1). If the shear pin is damaged, broken, or missing, replace the steering column.
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- Rotate the steering column shaft. Verify the shaft turns freely and without interference.
- Verify the E/A strap retainer (1) is firmly seated on the jacket.
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- Verify there is no visual damage to the E/A strap (2).
- Measure the length of the upper shaft (b) from the end of the upper jacket to the tip. The length of the upper shaft must not be less than 57 mm (2.2 in).
- Measure the length of the upper and lower jacket assembly (a). The length of the upper and lower jacket assembly must not be less than 441 mm (17.4 in).
- If the steering column does not meet the specifications, the steering column is damaged. Discard the damaged steering column. Install a NEW steering column.
If the steering column meets the specifications, install the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement. - Install the turn signal switch bracket. Refer to Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement.
Caution: Vehicles involved in collisions may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column that is not obvious based on initial in-vehicle review. This inspection procedure is provided to ensure full steering column functionality after a collision before considering reuse. This procedure is not intended for use in collisions where replacement of the steering column is directed- such as those with frontal air bag deployment and side seat air bag deployment.