Vehicles In Collisions, Evaluating, Passenger Protection

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. The component must be replaced if there is damage to the housing deformation within 20 cm of the component.
• 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 with deformation or damage that can be detected must be replaced. Covers and cushions must be replaced if the side airbag has deployed.
• All pyrotechnic components for passenger protection within 10 cm of mechanical 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:

• If a seat belt tensioner deployed while the seat belt was fastened, replace the seat belt latch, seat belt tensioner, and the belt height adjuster.
• Check the seat belt latch for cracks and chips. If damage is found, replace the entire seat belt with 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.

Condition

• The buckle tongue must remain locked in the seat belt latch during at least five tests by firmly pulling on the seat belt. Otherwise the entire seat belt with seat belt latch must be replaced.
• During at least five tests, the buckle tongue must release from the seat belt latch when the button on the seat belt latch is pressed and the belt webbing is free of tension. Otherwise the entire seat belt with seat belt latch must be replaced.

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.

Condition

• If damage as stated under points 1, 2 and 4 is found on a vehicle with accident damage, the seat belt and automatic belt retractor must be replaced together with the seat belt latch.
• 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 torn at the belt edge.
  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.

Condition

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

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

Condition

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

Check the seat belt relays and buckle tongues:

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

Condition

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

• Plastic coated relays will show heat damage -magnified area- if the belt system experiences severe stress (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, pillar, underbody, LATCH) deformed or threads damaged?

Condition

• If damage is found on the fasteners, the seat belt together 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.
• In the event of damage not resulting from an accident (such as wear), only the respective damaged component must be replaced.