Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

WARNING:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts? After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.

But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being used at the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section.

Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light.

    See also:

    Exterior Lighting
    The exterior lamp control is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. : Turns off the exterior lamps. AUTO: Automatic operation of the headlamps and other exteri ...

    Instrument Panel Storage
    There is a storage compartment located on the driver side of the instrument panel. ...

    Head Restraint Removal and Reinstallation
    The rear outboard head restraints can be removed if they interfere with the proper installation of the child restraint. To remove the head restraint: 1. Partially fold the seatback forward. See Re ...