Functional Test - Seatbelt Buckle and Tongue

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All safety belt components must be inspected and corrected as part of any collision repair. Inspect all safety belt components as prescribed by Safety Belt Inspection and Repair After a Collision found in GENERAL PROCEDURES . Failure to follow this instruction may result in incorrect operation of the safety belt system and increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Make sure the seatbelt buckle and tongue assembly operate freely during the latching and unlatching function. Fasten the seatbelt by inserting the tongue (male portion) into the buckle (female portion).

1.

Verify the following during the latching sequence:

Tongue insertion does not require excessive effort.
A click is heard when the seatbelt buckle latches the tongue.

2.

Verify the system integrity by forcefully pulling on the seatbelt webbing.

3.

Unlatch the seatbelt by fully pressing the seatbelt buckle release button and allowing the seatbelt to release and retract.

4.

Verify the following during the unlatching process:

Pressing the push button does not require excessive effort.
The tongue can be removed easily from the buckle.

5.

Repeat the above steps 3 times.

6.

If the functional test reveals a concern(s), install a new seatbelt buckle or seatbelt retractor as required.