Dual-Mode Seat Belt Retractor - Information
86chevy02Number: 84-262
Section: 1
Date: FEB., 1986
Subject: DUAL-MODE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
Model and Year: 1983-84 S/T BLAZER AND S/T EXTENDED CAB
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
Some customers have expressed concern about the emergency locking retractor belt system provided in the passenger seating positions of 1982-84 S/T Trucks. The system may not allow the lap belt to be tightened around child restraints as some child restraint manufacturers recommend.
S/T trucks built before 1985 used an emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belt system. In an emergency, the belts lock up to hold the seat occupant/ child restraint in place.
In 1985, a dual-mode retractor was introduced which normally has the characteristics of an ELR, but can be set to an automatic locking retractor (ALR) mode by fully extending the belt webbing from the retractor. In the ALR mode, as the belt retracts, it cannot be pulled out until it is fully retracted.
The dual-mode retractor is installed in the right front seat belt on 1985 Blazer and extended cabs, and in both seating positions on the Blazer rear seat. The dual-mode retractor can be installed in 1983 and 1984 S/T Blazer and S/T extended cab vehicles.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Refer to Pages 10-25 through 10-28 of the 1985 S-10 Light Duty Truck Service Manual (ST-369-85) for the seat belt retractor replacement procedure.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Model Location Color
15591226 Blazer - *Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Charcoal
15591228 Blazer - *Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Blue
15591230 Blazer - *Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Carmine
15591232 Blazer - *Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Lt. Saddle
15591234 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Charcoal
15591235 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Blue
15591236 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Carmine
15591237 **Ext. Cab P/Seat Bucket (RH) Lt. Saddle
15591227 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Charcoal
15591229 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Blue
15591231 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Carmine
15591233 Ext. Cab F/Seat Bench Lt. Saddle
15591222 Blazer R/Seat Folding Charcoal
15591223 Blazer R/Seat Foldina Blue
15591224 Blazer R/Seat Folding Carmine
15591225 Blazer R/Seat Folding Lt. Saddle
* Without Jump Seats
** With Jump Seats
Installing a child restraint in a Blazer or at right front in an extended cab with dual-mode retrators
First, locate the child restraint system on the vehicle seat and install any top strap and anchor it. Then:
1. Pull the lap belt out and position it around or through the child restraint, in accord with the restraint's instructions, and buckle the lap belt.
2. Pull the remaining webbing out of the retractor to switch it to the ratchet mode. Then allow the excess webbing to retract.
3. Grasp the webbing between the child restraint system and retractor and pull it tight around the entire child restraint while allowing it to feed into the retractor. Listen for clicking to assure it is in the ratchet mode.
4. Try to move the child restraint system and webbing to assure the seat belt is holding it tightly.
Returning ratcheting retractor to normal use:
Unbuckling the belt and letting it retract all the way allows the belt to move freely again. In that mode it is designed to lock only during a sudden stop or impact.