Checking Your Restraint Systems; Replacing Restraint System Parts; After A Crash - Chevrolet 2002 Prizm Owner's Manual

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. If your vehicle has a
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built in child restraint, also periodically make sure the
harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt and built
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
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or built in child restraint system from doing its job,
have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
If your vehicle has the built
frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces
just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not
protect a child in a crash. If a harness strap is torn or
frayed, get a new harness right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-66
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in child restraint system
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in child restraint, torn or

Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

If you've had a crash, do you need new safety belts or
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built in child restraint parts or LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the safety belts or built
straps were stretched, as they would be if worn during
a more severe crash, then you need new parts. If the
LATCH system was being used during a more severe
crash, then you may need new LATCH system parts.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you'll also need to replace
the driver's and right front passenger's safety belt
retractor assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new
retractor assembly will be there to help protect you
in a collision.
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If safety belts or built in child restraint harness straps
are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also
may mean you will need to have safety belt, built
child restraint, LATCH system or seat parts repaired or
replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even
-
if the safety belt, built in child restraint or LATCH
system wasn't being used at the time of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
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in child restraint harness
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in