Button Replacement Procedure
BUTTON REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE1. Inspect the operation of the seat belt warning lamp on the dash and the warning buzzer. Repair as necessary.
2. Insert the seat belt "tongue" into the buckle and check to see that it latches properly by tugging on the seat belt tongue while firmly holding the buckle (this step applies to both front seat buckles). Repeat this step three (3) times. If either buckle does not latch or unlatch, replace both front buckle assemblies. If the buckle latches and unlatches properly in both front seats, proceed to step 3.
3. Prepare the vehicle for button replacement by placing a clean shop cloth on the seat and center console. Position the seat as necessary to easily work on the buckle.
Note
The 1991 Sentra requires seat removal for button replacement. Please see the Vehicle Specific Information section in this bulletin for details regarding buckle removal and proper reinstallation. The button replacement procedure is the same for all vehicles except as noted. Please review the vehicle-specific information that contains torque specifications and other important notes on buckle replacement.
Note
Some 1986.5 and 1987 vehicles have a white plastic ejector buckle and have a slightly different procedure - see steps 9a and 14a.
4. Using a small pair of wire cutters (such as Snap-On E710SCG), carefully cut the plastic outer cover along the separation line between the two covers as shown in the photograph.
5. Using a medium sized, flat blade screwdriver, carefully separate the two halves of the outer cover by placing the screwdriver into the slot between the edges of the two covers. Do not pry in the middle of the buckle, as this may damage the switch (if so equipped).
6. Using the wire cutters, cut the three plastic pins retaining the switch to the cover. Cut the bottom pin first, slide the switch down, then cut the top two retaining pins.
Note
Some buckles are not equipped with switches (e.g. passenger side).
7. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to separate the switch from the cover. Carefully place the screwdriver between the switch plate and buckle cover at the closest points to the three retaining pins beginning with the bottom pin, then the two top pins. This will prevent damage to the switch.
8. Remove the cover halves.
Note
Steps 9a and 14a should be utilized on buckles with white ejector plates.
9. Depress the seat belt release button and release the spring using a small screwdriver.
WHITE PLASTIC EJECTOR BUCKLES
9a. These buckles were installed on 1986.5 and some 1987 models. The basic button replacement procedure is the same except for the button removal procedure. When the button is removed there is no spring attached to the button, Instead of lifting up and pulling to remove the button, it is necessary to push down so the retaining tabs are free of the buckle.
Note
Some 1987 200SX (S12) models may be equipped with both a white ejector plate buckle and a black ejector plate buckle on the same vehicle. This needs to be identified prior to starting repairs so the correct parts can be ordered.
10. Remove the button and spring by applying a slight upward force while pulling the button out of the buckle assembly while holding down the spring guide to prevent it from moving from its original position. A new spring is provided with the new button kit (except on the white ejector mechanism buckles, which do not use this spring).
11. Inspect the buckle assembly for dirt, dust, or other foreign material. If the buckle is contaminated with items such as soft drink, juice or other sticky material, replace both buckle assemblies. Do not attempt to clean the buckle.
12. If the buckle passes this inspection, remove any dust from the buckle using dry compressed air.
13. Check the position of the ejector mechanism, the springs and rails. In case the spring rails move from the original position, grasp the middle part between the two rails and place them back to their original position with a slight force.
14. Install the new button onto the buckle assembly and depress the button, using a small screwdriver to attach the spring.
Note
This step does not apply to white plastic ejector buckles. See 14a.
14a. To install the button for the white plastic ejector buckle, align the button with the buckle and press into place.
Note
The white ejector plate button kits contain spare return springs in case one is required.
15. Check the operation of the button and that the spring is attached correctly.
16. Test the operation of the buckle. Insert the seat belt "tongue" into the buckle and check to see that it latches properly by tugging on the seat belt tongue while firmly holding the buckle. Repeat this step three (3) times. If it does not latch, replace the buckle assembly. If it does latch, proceed to step 17.
17. Install the new outer button side, cover half onto the buckle.
18. Carefully install the switch onto the other cover half by applying pressure to the corners of the switch. Route the switch wires as shown in the photograph below step 19.
Note
Only apply pressure to the corners of the switch. Do not press or apply pressure in the middle of the switch. Should the switch break, it will be necessary to replace the buckle assembly.
19. Slide the switch upwards (away from the wires) to its original position.
20. Push the buckle release button and carefully assemble the two halves together by first inserting the top tabs of the switch half of the cover into the button half of the cover.
21. Firmly push the two halves together until a snap is heard and/or felt,
22. Check the operation of the buckle. Insert the seat belt "tongue" into the buckle and check to see that it latches properly by tugging on the seat belt tongue while firmly holding the buckle. Repeat this step three (3) times. If the buckle fails to latch, both buckle assemblies should be replaced.
23. Check the operation of the seat belt warning light and warning buzzer. Repair as needed according to the applicable warranty. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for information.
24. Return the seat to its original position. If the seat was removed, check the seat track locking operation. Both seat rails should latch securely in the full forward, middle and rearward positions.
25. Inspect the vehicle's interior to ensure it is clean and free of damage. Also make sure the floor mats are positioned properly if they were removed.