Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L Flex Fuel (2008)
Seat Belt Retractor: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt retractors used in all seating positions equipped with three-point seat belts include an inertia-type, emergency locking mechanism as
standard equipment. However, the retractor locking mechanisms for all seating positions except the driver side front position are mechanically
switchable from an emergency locking retractor to an automatic locking retractor. The primary function of this feature is to securely accommodate a
child seat in any seating position of the vehicle without the need for a self-cinching seat belt tip half latch plate unit or another supplemental device that
would be required to prevent the seat belt webbing from unwinding freely from the retractor spool of an inertia-type emergency locking retractor
mechanism.
The automatic locking mechanism is integral to the seat belt and retractor unit and is concealed beneath a molded plastic cover located on one side of the
retractor spool. The automatic locking mechanism cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, the entire passenger side front seat belt
and retractor unit must be replaced.
