Operational and Functional Checks: Notes

2009 Buick Lucerne CXL, 3.9 MSECTION Notes
NOTE: If the vehicle has been in a collision, refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision  for additional information.

Perform the following inspection from the driver seat:

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Verify proper operation of the seat belt reminder lamp with the belt buckled and with the belt unbuckled. Refer to Seat Belt System Description and Operation .
  2. Inspect the shoulder belt guide in order to ensure that the following conditions are met:
    • The seat belt webbing is seated flatly in the guide slot.
    • The seat belt webbing does not bind.
  3. Verify that the seat belt buckle faces inboard and is accessible.
  4. Verify that the seat belt retractor units are securely attached.
  5. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are secure.
  6. Fully extend the seat belt webbing. Verify that the seat belt webbing does not have any twists or tears.
  7. Allow the seat belt webbing to retract. Verify that the seat belt webbing returns freely and completely back into the retractor. If the seat belt webbing will not retract, refer to Seat Belt Does Not Retract .
  8. Snap the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  9. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  10. Push the button on the buckle:
    1. Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    2. Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Perform the following inspection procedures from the passenger seat.

  1. Verify the automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature operates properly by performing the following checks:
    1. Pull the seat belt all the way out of the retractor until it stops.
    2. Slowly allow the belt to retract partially, while listening for a ratcheting sound.
    3. Sharply tug on the belt ensuring that the retractor lock sets and does not allow the belt to be pulled from the retractor.
    4. After performing steps 1.1 through 1.3 ensure the belt fully retracts.
  2. Repeat the inspection procedure steps 2 through 10 performed for the drivers seat.

Perform the following steps in order to inspect the front center seat belt if equipped:

  1. Verify that the center seat belt is accessible.
  2. Verify that the center seat belt has no twists or tears in the webbing.
  3. Verify that the seat belts are securely attached.
  4. Verify that the seat belt anchor bolts are properly torqued.
  5. Snap the center seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
  6. Sharply tug on the seat belt latch plate and the buckle. Verify that the seat belt latch plate and the buckle remain locked when tugged.
  7. Push the button on the buckle:
    1. Verify that the seat belt latch plate releases easily from the buckle.
    2. Verify that the button returns to its original position.

Repeat the inspection procedure steps 2 through 10 performed for the drivers seat for the three rear seating positions.

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.