Seat belt Problems

January 12, 2006 6:10 PM

I have a 2002 Suzuki Esteem Wagon and the rear seat belts no longer retract.

We have two child safety seats and are constantly taking them in and out of the car. Last night when I tried to put one of the child car seats back in, the seat belt wouldn't retract. Its stuck all the way out. I don't have an owners manual so I'm not sure if there is a release latch (couldn't find one). Aside from tearing the panel out, any ideas?

posted by KevinSkomsvold to grab bag (3 comments total)

I think the warranty on seat belts is forever, by statute.
posted by caddis at 7:15 PM on January 12, 2006

or maybe not

maybe someone who actually knows something can enlighten you as to the warranty.

As for the failure to retract, I had this problem in an old car with short belts. Whenever someone really big would get in and pull them all the way out, or a child would do the same, they would get stuck. Fiddling usually took care of it. By fiddling I mean pulling them out hard at different angles and speeds until the cog releases. Sometimes a butter knife stuck into the mechanism to release the cogs would work (don't use anything sharp enough to nick the belt). Failing that they often disassemble pretty easily allowing you access to the cogs whereupon you undo the cog and then allow the belt to retract or manually retract it.
posted by caddis at 7:30 PM on January 12, 2006

Fiddling was the answer. And a butter knife. I was able to pry the housing off for easier access and readjust both belts. Thanks!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:20 PM on January 12, 2006