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 orLATCH system parts?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 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 frontal or side impact airbags inflate, you willalso need to replace the driver’s and right frontpassenger’s safety belt buckle assembly. Be sureto do so. Then the new buckle assembly willbe there to help protect you in a collision.After a crash, you may need to replace the driverand front passenger’s safety belt buckleassemblies, even if the airbags have not deployed.The driver and front passenger’s safety beltbuckle 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 201.90
