Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash{CAUTION:A crash can damage the restraint systemsin your vehicle. A damaged restraintsystem may not properly protect theperson using it, resulting in seriousinjury or even death in a crash. To helpmake sure your restraint systems areworking properly after a crash, havethem inspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new beltsor LATCH system parts?After a very minor collision, nothing may benecessary. But if the belts were stretched,as they would be if worn during a more severecrash, then you need new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during amore severe crash, you may need new LATCHsystem parts.If belts are cut or damaged, replace them.Collision damage also may mean you will need tohave LATCH system, safety belt or seat partsrepaired or replaced. New parts and repairs maybe necessary even if the belt or LATCH systemwas not being used at the time of the collision.If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbagsystem parts. See the part on the airbag systemearlier in this section.If the airbags inflate you will also need to replacethe driver and front passenger’s safety beltretractor assembly. Be sure to do so. Then thenew retractor assembly will be there to help protectyou in a collision.After a crash you may need to replace the driverand front passenger’s safety belt retractorassemblies, even if the airbags have not deployed.The driver and front passenger’s safety beltretractor assemblies contain the safety beltpretensioners. Have your safety belt pretensionerschecked if your vehicle has been in a collision,or if your airbag readiness light stays on afteryou start your vehicle or while you are driving.See Airbag Readiness Light on page 224.107
