Passenger Protection For Vehicles Involved In Collisions, Evaluating

Electronic Components, Checking:

• Check the airbag control module DTC memory entry using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
• Replace the components according to the repair information.
• Visually inspect the airbag control module and the acceleration/pressure sensors. If the housing is damaged or there is a deformity in the area 20 cm around the component, the component must be replaced.
• Visually inspect all passenger protection pyrotechnic components. All pyrotechnic components that are recognizable as deployed must be replaced including their fasteners.
• Visually inspect components near pyrotechnic components. Pyrotechnic components that are visibly deformed or damaged must be replaced. Covers and cushions must be replaced if the side airbag has deployed.
• All pyrotechnic components for passenger protection in a radius of 10 cm from the center of physical deformations must be replaced.
• Visually inspect the seat occupant detection system sensor and replace if damaged.
• If the seat rail and/or the seat pan is being replaced due to deformations, then the seat occupant detection system must be replaced. Then perform the basic setting for the seat occupant detection system control module, using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Seat Belt Latches, Checking:

• For seat belt tensioners that have been deployed and those where the seat belt was buckled, replace the seat belt latch, seat belt tensioner and the belt height adjuster.
• Check the seat belt latch for cracks and chips, if damaged replace the complete seat belt and the seat belt latch.

• Insert the belt tongue into the seat belt latch until it clicks into place. Check if the locking mechanism is latched correctly by pulling firmly on the belt webbing.

Requirement

• The buckle tongue must stay locked in the seat belt latch when strongly pulling at it during a minimum of five test cycles. Otherwise replace the complete seat belt and the seat belt latch.
• The buckle tongue must eject from the seat belt latch by pressing the seat belt latch button while the seat belt is loose during a minimum of five test cycles. Otherwise replace the complete seat belt and the seat belt latch.

Seat Belt Webbing, Checking:

• Pull the seat belt webbing completely out of the automatic belt retractor.
• Clean dirty seat belt webbing with mildly soapy water.

Requirement

• If one of the following types of damage shown under items 1, 2 and 4 is found on a vehicle with collision damage, then the seat belt and automatic belt retractor together with seat belt latch must be replaced completely.
• If damage under items 1, 2, 3 and 4 is detected on a vehicle not involved in an accident, then only the damaged seat belt and the automatic belt retractor need to be replaced.

• 1 -  Seat belt webbing cut, torn or frayed.
  Fig 1: Belt Webbing Cut, Torn Or Chafed

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• 2 -  Webbing loops on seat belt edge torn.
  Fig 2: Checking Belt Webbing - Webbing Loops On Belt Edge Torn

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• 3 -  Burn marks from cigarettes or similar.
  Fig 3: Burn Marks From Cigarettes Or Similar

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• 4 -  Check for fraying in the area of the seat belt relay -magnified area-.

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Automatic Belt Retractor (Locking Function), Checking:

• Extend the belt webbing and allow it to retract.

Requirement

• Check for unusual noises and for steady movement.
• If there is difficulty extending or retracting the belt, first check if the position of the belt retractor has been changed.

• Pull the seat belt webbing out of the automatic belt retractor quickly and firmly.

Requirement

• Without locking function the seat belt and the automatic belt retractor with the seat belt latch must be replaced completely.

Seat Belt Relays and Buckle Tongues, Checking:

• Check the plastic for deformation, chips, heat damage, and cracks.

Requirement

• If there are parallel cracks and/or damage, the entire seat belt with the seat belt latch must be replaced.

• Plastic-coated guides will show heat damage -magnified area- if the belt system is strained (belt was fastened during a collision).

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• After the belt system is strained (belt was fastened during a collision), check for frayed fibers in the area of the belt relays -magnified area-.

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Fastening Elements and Mounting Points, Checking:

Check points:

• Seat belt latch tongue deformed (stretched)?
• Height adjustment not working or difficult to move?
• Mounting points (seat, pillars, vehicle floor, IsoFix) deformed or threads damaged?

Requirement

• If damage is found on the retaining components, then the entire seat belt with the seat belt latch must be replaced.
• If components of the seat belt system are removed due to an accident, the seat belt system bolts must be replaced.
• Deformed or damaged mounting points must be replaced.
• For damage found that is not accident-related, for example, wear, only replace the part that is damaged.