Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Sebring 2000 Seat Belt Malfunction, highway traffic safety, traffic safety administration

Question
Roland, in a previous post, you identified the seat belt control timer as the cause of the seat belt malfunction which I have experienced in my 2000 Sebring. You also referenced a "very specific federal requirement/warranty" that pertains to this issue. Can you please identify that "federal requirement/warranty" more specifically, so that I can reference that in my negotiation with Chrysler. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Wayne,
I do recall that discussion but must admit that it was based upon my general understanding of the Federal automotive safety regulations. I would suggest that you check with the Natioal Highway
Traffic Safety Administration's website, probably www.NHTSA.cov to see what you can find there as to the warranty requirement on the restraint systems. It seems to me that a system which has failed such as to prevent the application of the seatbelts to a driver/passenger is a warranty matterm but I don't know the duration of the warranty. I will try to do the research as well myself, so let us compare notes in a day or so.
Roland
PS You can get back to me without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question by using the "thank/rate" tab below.
PPS I scanned over the sight for recalls on the 2000 convertible (is that the body you have?) and while there were some techenical  restraint service bulletins I didn't see one on the timer. Perhaps it will be governed by the manufacturer's warranty (which probably is no longer than 7 years) or by filing a complaint with NHTSA to begin to establish a problem history if enough others also file.