Driver side Seatbelt stuck in auto lock, help!

[pookapa]

Yesterday I went to buckle up and must have pulled it to fast making the belt lock up. As I let it retract to reset it, the belt did not retract as easy and made clicking sounds. Now my seatbelt is fully retracted and still locked up. is there any kind of reset button under the trim panel and a way to fix this? or am I looking to have to get a replacement?

 

[koda2000]

i believe there's a pawl and ratchet mechanism that serves as the belt's auto-lock feature. when the seat belt is withdrawn quickly (like when you're in an accident) the pawl engages the teeth of the ratchet and stops the belt. when the tension on the belt is released, the pawl should release as well. it sounds like the pawl is stuck in the engaged position. as such, it may need a little lube on its pivot point, or it may have some dirt interfering with its operation.

i'd try removing the trim panel to get at the belt's retract mechanism and see if you can open it up to clean/lube the pawl. if you can't you're looking at replacing the belt.

 

[pookapa]

thanks, I was able to get to it last night, but couldnt figure it out, the panels over the ratchet say do no remove, and the clips have a guard over them, so I am not really sure how to remove the cover without breaking theplastic tabs, especially in these cold winter days. I tried to remove the floor bolt but ended up snapping my T50, I will try again tonight to get the cover off, maybe put a hair dryer to it to make the plastic a little more plyable.

 

[koda2000]

well, i guess they don't want you going in there for saftey/liability reasons, but i'd do what i could to check it out without damaging anything.

 

[pookapa]

went out on my break at work and was able to get the cover off the ratchet, must have been stuck on the tiniest thing, but I was able to get it working again after I realized you have to hold it vertically so the ball bearing acts as a counter weight on the arm. Thanks, For the help.

 

[koda2000]

good deal!