GMC Repair: Dear Sir, I have a Pontiac..., canadian seat, safety belts

Question
Dear Sir,
I have a Pontiac Grand Am (1G2 NE5 2MO TC80 8280) of 1996. As I live in Switzerland, it is very had to find here anybody who is experienced with this car. However, my problem is as follows: If I pull the safety belts with a jerk, there is no lock as I would typically experience with a European car. However, this is the same with all the 4 safety belts (which, by the way, are not hanging around and also look fine and tight from the outside). As my wife and my daughter are mostly driving this car, I am slightly concerned whether this restraint system is still working properly. The car never had an accident so far. Thanks a lot if you could help me in this matter. With best regards, Francis

Answer
They drastically changed the design lock feature in the american and canadian seat belt inertia lock setups and you will NOT get them to LOCK by pulling on them REAL FAST. I really would not worry about them NOT working as I have only ever seen 2 or 3 faulty seat belts in over 25 years.

You CAN get them to lock, But it requires a 55 mph slamming on the brake, tire dragging stop and sometimes even that won't engage them. The ONLY way to be 100% sure that they work is to remove them from the vehicle.


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