canadianmom2three
Active member
Has anyone heard of this safety notice, or had luck getting their belts replaced? I have been struggling and struggling to get a good install with the Radian in the modular seating of my Montana, finally I stumbled upon this on the net...seems like it would totally solve the problem, and maybe will help others who are having the same problem - it applied to Chevy Venture and Olds Sillouette (1997-02), Pontiac Trans-port (1997-99) and Montana (1999-02) and actually to even newer models too, with the exception that the info about obtaining the new buckle stalk is in the owners manual's of later models:
Here's the info from Transport Canada
When installing a children's restraint system in the second or third row vehicle seat with modular seating, there may be excessive lateral (side-to-side) movement.
Background: This issue was reported to Transport Canada by a concerned parent. It appears that the seat belt buckles in the above listed vehicles are forward of the seat crease (where the seat back and seat cushion join) and have limited rotational movement. This makes securing a child seat difficult and due to the angle of the seat belt buckle, can induce slack into the seat belt allowing for the excessive lateral movement.
Transport Canada, on receipt of this inquiry, opened an investigation. Testing was performed on an exemplar vehicle, which confirmed that excessive lateral movement was possible. Transport Canada did determine that with the use of a locking clip, tight installation was possible.
Further investigation found that GM has addressed this concern with a Technical Service Bulletin (#00-09-40-001A) dated 07/19/2001. This Bulletin describes the availability and replacement procedures for a new buckle assembly that incorporates a longer, more flexible stalk, which can rotate to produce a more upright angle position. This more upright angle of the buckle could make the installation of some child seats easier and reduce the amount of lateral movement.
Called my dealership, who says they have not heard of anything like that at all, I directed them to the website, and am waiting to hear back.
Here's the info from Transport Canada
When installing a children's restraint system in the second or third row vehicle seat with modular seating, there may be excessive lateral (side-to-side) movement.
Background: This issue was reported to Transport Canada by a concerned parent. It appears that the seat belt buckles in the above listed vehicles are forward of the seat crease (where the seat back and seat cushion join) and have limited rotational movement. This makes securing a child seat difficult and due to the angle of the seat belt buckle, can induce slack into the seat belt allowing for the excessive lateral movement.
Transport Canada, on receipt of this inquiry, opened an investigation. Testing was performed on an exemplar vehicle, which confirmed that excessive lateral movement was possible. Transport Canada did determine that with the use of a locking clip, tight installation was possible.
Further investigation found that GM has addressed this concern with a Technical Service Bulletin (#00-09-40-001A) dated 07/19/2001. This Bulletin describes the availability and replacement procedures for a new buckle assembly that incorporates a longer, more flexible stalk, which can rotate to produce a more upright angle position. This more upright angle of the buckle could make the installation of some child seats easier and reduce the amount of lateral movement.
Called my dealership, who says they have not heard of anything like that at all, I directed them to the website, and am waiting to hear back.