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 serious injuryor even death in a crash. To help makesure your restraint systems are workingproperly after a crash, have theminspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new belts?After a very minor collision, nothing may benecessary. But if the belts were stretched, as theywould be if worn during a more severe crash,then you need new parts.If belts are cut or damaged, replace them.Collision damage also may mean you will need tohave safety belt or seat parts repaired orreplaced. New parts and repairs may be necessaryeven if the belt was not being used at the timeof the collision.If an airbag inflates, you will need to replaceairbag system parts. See the part on the airbagsystem earlier in this section.If the frontal airbags inflate, you will also need toreplace the driver’s and passenger’s safetybelt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then thenew buckle assembly will be there to helpprotect you in a collision.After a crash you may need to replace the driverand front passenger’s safety belt buckleassemblies, even if the frontal airbags have notdeployed. The driver and front passenger’s safetybelt buckle 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 after youstart your vehicle or while you are driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 188.61
