Following a few postings of seat belt issues/replacements I noted this on the toyota japan site
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=ja_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toyota.co.jp%2FShowroom%2FAll_toyota_lineup%2FHiace%2Fmenu%2Fframe%2Fsafety.html
It does seem to suggest that the pre-tensioner does not operate in 'mild' collisions (on hiace).
Does this mean that my tumbler mechanism which does not lock upon yanking it when stationary, but does lock upon yanking it whilst braking firmly is working as designed? Just thought if this is the case it would save people thinking their belts were faulty and replacing without need.
If I'm wrong in this assumption please correct me so no-one is miss led
- (#11431) chris turner, 1 Nov 03 19:07

Chris, you belt sounds OK. Today's inertia reel setups are more sensitive to "G" forces and tilt angles than earlier offerings.

Pretensioners are explosive devices linked to the airbag system, another kettle of herrings completely. Do you have airbags? Check the reel assy for electrical connections to confirm...

- (#11432) david miller, 2 Nov 03 2:15

Thanks for the info David
No airbags and didn't notice any wiring when I was nosying a few months back (circa 92)
As the popular belief is to give them a yank to see if they lock (ala MOT), I was worried some time back - However as they work under firm braking (and the new owner paranoia phase has gone) I'm happy to leave them be. Just wondered if this mode of operation was normal...

- (#11433) chris turner, 2 Nov 03 17:18