Seat belt locking up.

We've all had the seat belt locking up and not releasing when trying to pull it across and locking it into the housing haven't we?

Whats the cause and how can I rectify it before it drives me nuts?

Do it slowly

Buy a new one. Usually means the mech inside has gone

Make sure it's fitted correctly, the reel has to be level IIRC and the belt has to come out of it the correct way.

retneprac said:

We've all had the seat belt locking up and not releasing when trying to pull it across and locking it into the housing haven't we?

Whats the cause and how can I rectify it before it drives me nuts?

Click to expand...

It works on an inertia locking mechanism. Pull it too fast and it spins the locking mechanism fast enough to engage the latch because you are simulating the belt moving quickly in a crash. If it continued to unreal, you could hit the dash before it ran out of belt. It also has a spiral spring to keep the slack out of the belt, so the locking mechanism can work more effectively in keeping you back in the seat.

It may need the inertia reel mechanism cleaning, there will be years of dust and debris in there, I would not put any lubricant on it though as dust will cling to it. try blowing it clean with an air hose and pull the belt all the way out and wipe the belt clean as well.

Are you on the flat when using the seat belt, I had this once after I had got out of a car on Rhino Pass, no way could i operate the seat belt. It wasn't until later I found out it was due to the angle of the incline on said road. You need to be near enough level to operate seat belts.

Level ground for certain - All else fails its a diet I'm afraid