I've got a question that's been bugging me for the last few months.

In my car, and maybe your cars too, there is a little warning label on my seatbelt. It's located near the anchor point closest to the bottom of front doors. It goes something like this 'If you can see this label, take it to Mitsubishi to get the seatbelt replaced.' The label is red and white making it look somewhat important.

I'm quessing the warning label is looped in the anchor point area (label then hidden), and after a sudden stop the seatbelt extends revealing the warning label.

But this would be stupid as it does opposite to the well known safety aspects of a seatbelt pre-tensioner.

Thoughts anyone? or have I missed something totally obvious?

Sounds interesting.. ill have to check mine in the morn...

Could be the seat belt "pre tensioner" is gone?

:think: I'd be inclined to follow the instructions....for insurance purposes...because we all know they will find any reason not to make a payment if you've not done the right thing and you have an accident and make a claim. Your safety may also be compromised.

Does the belt still retract? Does it lock when you pull it hard and fast?

Does the belt still retract? Does it lock when you pull it hard and fast?


Lol you would be in major trouble if it didn't do this!!

I have the same thing on my TF- label is now in view- and yes it is time to get the seatbelts replaced. Dont' ignore it, as the insurance companies will decline your claim if anything happens.

I think its the force limit thingo. Alot of newer cars have it. It is there so that there is a tiny bit of leeway when your seatbelt locks in a jarring stop. It reduces seatbelt burn/scars and what not.

Just checked mine, the passengers side has it but the drivers is tucked in to the bottom without being seen, Mines a 97 TF anyone know where i can get seat belts changed? as i don't wanna be doing it myself

that is what is known as a 'shock absorber' basically when the seat belt locks it is pretty solid, that label is 'doubled over' inside a plastic/rubber sleeve so if you are in a crash it comes undone to absorb some of the impact. it should only com undone when alot of tension is placed on it very suddenly.

if any of you have ever had to ware a harness i.e. rock climbing of work saftey then you would have had the same thing on the line conecting you to the harness point.

The insurance company wouldnt know if the label was showing before an accident... because it will come out during and accident, so therefore it would just be expected!

yeah it's more for road worthy certificates, if the label is showing then it souldn't pass.

Yeah, well consider the scenario that his car is damaged while parked (touch wood it never does) and they use that not to honour the claim.:P




:D

Go grab a big shifter and head to the wreckers, seatbelts arn't that hard to change.

Pre-tensioners pull the seatbelt tight in the event of hard/rapid brake application. Our cars arent fitted with this feature, just the lock up function. The part you are talking about allows a bit of movement in the seatbelt in the event of a collision.

This is actually a good way to see if any car your looking at buying has been in a major accident. Mine are both good :D Something I don't have to worry about :dancin:

This is actually a good way to see if any car your looking at buying has been in a major accident. Mine are both good :D Something I don't have to worry about :dancin:
Unless the car was in an accident and the seat belts were replaced?

I'm quessing the warning label is looped in the anchor point area (label then hidden), and after a sudden stop the seatbelt extends revealing the warning label.

That's exactly right. I wouldn't worry, however, if you can only just see the red bit - I don't think the "sleeve" is quite long enough in all cases. I can see this label on both front belts on both my TJ Magnas (2001 Exec and 2003 AWD). Neither of them has had even the slightest shunt.

I've actually hear or read somewhere else about this... there has apparently been a fault with a lot of 3rd Gens where the plastic cover that goes over the warning label becomes loose and actually shifts up and down, exposing the warning label to the driver or passanger.

I would check to see if the plastic cover is still functioning as it should be before i go replacing seatbelts.

Just sounds like a way for Mitsu to get you back in their service centre to charge you extra money :P

Just sounds like a way for Mitsu to get you back in their service centre to charge you extra money :P

What do you mean, Mitsu are always generous with their time and CHEAP too, there is no way they would like my every last earned dollar ... right ?

please read again and see if you missed any sarcasm

Thanks for all the replies guys.

As to whether I/we should replace the seatbelts I'm not exactly certain still.

I care more about safety then I do about insurance, but insurance is something I have not thought about yet in relation to the belt.
What I don't get is the safety aspect of this extra bundled up seatbelt. I just did a little research and pre-tensioner can have a lot of meanings, eg the usual mechanical lock when you tighten the seatbelt quickly or the buckle itself pulling into itself in the event of a crash, in all cases the pre-tensioners bring 'tension' into the seatbelt. This extra loop of seatbelt is going against all the physics of a pre-tensioner.

I guess it's too late to say I should've put this in the tech torque area, sorry all.

So the question is, in keeping with the theme of the thread. Should I just rely on Mitsubishi putting that Label there for a real good reason and go change the seatbelt?

I've actually hear or read somewhere else about this... there has apparently been a fault with a lot of 3rd Gens where the plastic cover that goes over the warning label becomes loose and actually shifts up and down, exposing the warning label to the driver or passanger.

I would check to see if the plastic cover is still functioning as it should be before i go replacing seatbelts.

I'd check that before spending $$ on new belts.....

Steve

Yeah I would hope its just the cover, but it seems fine. The warning labels themselves are longer than the whole plastic cover anyway. So if it was loose you would still see the warning label wherever the cover sits.

Can those out there with the seatbelt still looped in the cover check how the loop sits.
I'm hoping that maybe I can loop the seatbelt back in somehow, and yes that does sound like a long shot. Anything to save a buck. :D

good to know, seen mine now that this has brought it to my attention