HELP!?! With a Seatbelt

[kmaximus_77]

I took my interior paneling off to install Dynamat and now I am at the point were I am going to put the panel back on but the seatbelt will not unroll. I can't get the panel on cause theres not enough slack in the belt and the belt won't budge!!??

Does anyone know how I can get the belt to unroll???

Thanks

 

[Flounder]

It sounds like it locked without any slack available for you to pull it to release. Have you tried turning the cylinder it rolls up on? A quick turn with your hand should have the same effect as a quick tug to un-lock it when it's buckled...

 

[kmaximus_77]

Yeah, it's all jammed up pretty good. I can roll it in about a half an inch and that's what I get back. Other than that no slack at all

 

[Flounder]

I have never seen what the seat belt 'reservoir' looks like, but from your problem I assume it is a self-contained unit, that is, you cannot simply unravel any belt off of it. Have you considered removing it from its mount and moving it closer to the floor bolts so you have a little more slack?

I'm sorry if I seem naive with this - I never had the side panel off of my Trac or X, and I cannot imagine what the unit looks like. Hopefully others here can steer you in the right direction.

 

[kmaximus_77]

Well, this is what it looks like, as you can see I completely removed it. Not that hard, nor is anything else when your taking it apart. This hard part is putting back together Maybe this will help??

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/99/99418/folders/55456/986636DCP0006.JPG

 

[Flounder]

Ahh, I didn't imagine that! Well, the only idea that comes to mind is to look for a small lock release lever that causes it to lock. I don't want to recommend fiddling/dismantling it as I don't want the unit's locking mechanism to fail when you need it the most. I'll have to pass the buck on this one. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[kmaximus_77]

yeah, I don't want to really start tearing it apart. I might just take a ride to the dealership tomorrow. I'm sure they will be happy "charge" I mean help me

 

[kmaximus_77]

Ok, the good news is I found a way to unlock the belt. I found this out on the passenger side belt. Now the bad news is I found this out way to late because in my frustration I dropped the driver side belt assembly breaking the plastic cover rendering the belt useless.

But, basically, stand up with the assmebly hanging down and start playing with it like a Yo-Yo. That moves the counter weight enough for the belt to unroll.

So, I just ordered a new Retractor Assembly for 60 bucks. Mistakes always end up hurting the pocket it seems. Oh well, lesson learned----> don't mess with Seatbelts!!!

The inside just if your curious
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/99/99418/folders/55456/986750DCP0008.JPG