Pontiac 2003 Montana, Owner'S Manual

Page: 104 / 460

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
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CAUTION:
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 you’ve had a crash, do you need new safety belts or
built-in child restraint parts or LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness
straps were stretched, as they would be if worn during a
more severe crash, then you need new parts. If the
LATCH system was being used during a more severe
crash, then you may need new LATCH system parts.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you’ll also need to replace
the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety belt
buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckle
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.
If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps
are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage
also may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in
child restraint, LATCH system or seat parts repaired
or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary
even if the safety belt, built-in child restraint or
LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time of the
collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in this section.
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