Why A Seatbelt Won’t Release or Retract
It is not uncommon for a seatbelt not to release. Here’s how to release a stuck seatbelt and address common issues that cause it to become jammed. While a twisted seatbelt often causes the problem, in other cases, the problem can indicate a more serious issue.
How to get a seatbelt unstuck
If your seatbelt is stuck, try the following. Only try these steps while the vehicle is stopped.
- Unbuckle the seatbelt and let it retract a few inches.
- Gently pull the seatbelt out to avoid activating the auto-lock feature, and avoid pulling it too quickly or too forcefully.
- As you pull the seatbelt, make sure it is not tangled. If it is, untangle it as you pull it out completely.
These instructions will reset a stuck seatbelt. If these instructions don’t work, you may have one of the following problems.
Possible Problems
Here is a list of common problems preventing your seatbelt from retracting.
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The defective seatbelt retractor
The seatbelt retractor may be broken and will need to be replaced. The seatbelt retractor is the part where the seatbelt rolls in. This is what pulls the seatbelt back. The proper way to fix a broken seatbelt retractor is to replace the retractor and belt with a new set.
Twisted seatbelt
You may have to remove the plastic trim to check and make sure that the seatbelt is not twisted. When this happens, it adds resistance and makes it hard for the retractor to pull the seatbelt back.
The seatbelt often twists behind the plastic panel or trim, and you won’t see it until you remove the plastic trim. This trim covers the pillar between the front and rear door, called the B-pillar.
To remove the panel, first pull out the weather strip. Next, pull out the B-pillar panel. The panel is often held in place with clips and no screws, and it is pushed in. Check your car, as some Honda / Toyota models may have screws that keep the panel in place.
If you notice the belt is twisted, twist it back to its normal position. Reinstall the trim and check if the seatbelt problem is fixed.
Previous accident
When the car is involved in an accident, the pre-tensioner will blow, locking the seatbelt. You can either replace the seatbelt pre-tensioners or, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to fix this problem, you can use a SeatBelt Repair Service on eBay.
Seatbelt age
Due to the car’s age, the seatbelt may get stiff due to dirt and grime. In turn, the belt is much harder for the retractor to retract.
Bad Retractor Spring
One of the most common causes of seatbelt problems is that the retractor spring weakens over time. Once the spring inside the retractor weakens, the belt will go back.
To fix this problem, remove the seatbelt from the retractor and manually rotate it to tighten the spring. Next, reinstall the seatbelt back on the retractor. This method may be too much work for most car owners and may not always work, but it is worth trying if you can’t find a replacement seatbelt.
The seatbelt won’t pull out.
- This can be due to a damaged seatbelt mechanism. As you can see from the picture, inside the retractor is a steel ball and a cup that helps lock the belt during an accident or sudden stop. This part could be the problem if your belt is not coming out. When the ball rolls out of the center, it latches the mechanism via the attached lever. This mechanism can get damaged or stuck. In some cases, this system can stop working due to dirt collected over the years.
We hope you find the Why A SeatBelt Won’t Release or Retract guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.
