Seat Belt Retractor Replacement Instructions

It is not uncommon for the seat belt to get stuck or need to be replaced after an accident. In this article, we review the steps to replace a seat belt retractor. Replacing the seat belt retractor is a simple job that can be completed in an hour. Below, you will find general instructions on replacing a seat belt retractor.

What you will need

• Seat Belt Retractor
• Ratchet
• Flathead screwdriver
• Metric Sockets

Front Seat Belt Replacement

1. Park the vehicle and set the parking brakes.
2. If replacing the front seats, move it forward to expose the B pillar.
3. Disconnect the car battery and wait 5 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
4. Remove the weather strip around the door frame.

5. Remove the plastic trim from the vehicle. The trim is, in most cases, is held in place with plastic retainers and should pop off.
6. Remove the bolt at the end of the seat belt.

7. Disconnect the wire from the seat belt retractor. 

8. Remove the seat belt retractor bolt. 

Rear seat belt retractor replacement

1. Park the vehicle and set the parking brakes.
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Remove the weather strip from the rear door.
4. Depending on the vehicle, you may have to remove the rear seat cushion as well. 
5. Remove the plastic trim from the rear pillar. In this case, you pull the cover forward. If you have an SRS label on this cover, pop out the SRS label and remove the bolt underneath. 
6. Disconnect the wires that connect to the retractor. First, you pry out the orange clip, and then you can pull out the green or yellow connector. 
7. Remove the bolt that secures the seat belt end to the lower part of the seat.
8. Remove the top bracket bolt. 
9. Remove the bolt that secures the retractor to the frame. Lift the retractor and remove it from the vehicle. 

We hope you find the Seat Belt Retractor Replacement Instructions guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.