Does anyone know what this large metal piece is attached to my rear se

[wrinkledpants]

I've seen it on a few other cayenne's rear seat belt, but not all of them seem to have it. It has a VW part number on it, so it's not after market. I've racked my brain and cannot understand what it's purpose is.

Edited May 7, 2014 by wrinkledpants

[bigbuzuki]

Ah, the infamous Cowboy belt buckles.

Porsche Recall A506.

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

SUMMARY:

CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS.

CONSEQUENCE:

WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

REMEDY:

DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A CLIP IN EITHER OF THE AFFECTED REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS AND PROVIDE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWARRANTED CONVERSION FROM ALR TO ELR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

NOTES:

PORSCHE RECALL NO. A506. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/porsche-cayenne-forum/412155-cowboy-belt-buckles-a506.html

Edited May 7, 2014 by bigbuzuki

[Loren]

Just to clarify model/years etc.

Report Receipt Date: DEC 15, 2004
NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V593000
Component(s): SEAT BELTS

All Products Associated with this Recall

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)

• PORSCHE CAYENNE 2003-2005
• PORSCHE CAYENNE S 2003-2005
• PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO 2003-2005

Details 10 Associated Documents

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

SUMMARY: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." ALL THREE REAR SEAT POSITIONS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER POSITION ARE EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT HAVE A LOCKING FEATURE WHICH CONVERTS THE RETRACTOR FROM AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE TO AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION. THE BELT MAY DEACTIVATE THE ALR MODE WITH CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINTS. CONSEQUENCE: WHEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, THE CHILD RESTRAINTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY INSTALL A CLIP IN EITHER OF THE AFFECTED REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS AND PROVIDE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. THE CLIPS WILL PREVENT UNWARRANTED CONVERSION FROM ALR TO ELR MODE WITH CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 17, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039. NOTES: PORSCHE RECALL NO. A506. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

[wrinkledpants]

Wow. I can't believe Porsche couldn't figure out a better solution. Thanks for that info - will be shopping for a new seat belt from an 06.

[alw911@ashburnva.net]

If its a buckle looking piece of metal (hard to tell in pic), it could be the buckle used to secure the seat belt when strapping in a child seat. My bmw came with one.