It’s frustrating when your seat belt gets stuck. Although it might seem like a small problem, seat belts are really important for keeping us safe. And more than 80% of mishaps take place due to the situation when the seat belt won’t retract. How do I fix it? This article will help you understand why seat belts sometimes get stuck and what you can do to handle it.
So, hold up to find out the useful tricks that can retract your seat belt.
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What Are The Reasons For The Seat Belt Not Retracting?
Knowing the reasons why your seat belt won’t retract is very important for you to diagnose and provide solutions to fix this problem. Various reasons can cause the seat belt stuck, let’s find out with us:
A stuck seat belt reel
This problem could occur when foreign objects or debris are clogged in the retractor mechanism, which will cause the seat belt to jam. So in this case, you can use small tools like pliers to remove the debris.
Issues with seat belt indicator light
The seat belt light is one of the standard features equipped on most vehicles. This indicator light will be on when you start the engine and turn off as soon as you buckle the seat belt. So when this light is faulty, it also causes the seat belt not to pull out.
If you detect that the seat belt light is malfunctioning or comes on but doesn’t have a picture or anything else when it’s flashing, there could be a problem with it. The reason can be due to the burnt-out light bulb. You will need to replace this part of the circuit board before replacing any other parts.
Faulty seat belt retractor
If you’ve done all the processes above but your seat belt still won’t retract properly, the retractor mechanism is the next thing to check. When pulling the seat belt over your chest, the spool rotates counterclockwise, releasing the spring.
Because the spring returns to its coiled position, when you release the belt, the spring causes the spool to rotate clockwise and spin in a slack state. It’s the mechanism of the retractor.
Over time, this part can be exposed to excessive wear, or the retractor could be damaged due to accidents and causing a blown-out retractor. If the retractor is beyond wear and tear, you should replace it with a new one.
Seat Belt Won’t Retract How To Fix?
You can retract the seat belt in many ways. Here you will see the three sure steps to retract your seat belt right now!
1. Dealing with panel and winder
In many cases, the retracted seat belt could be the reason for a jammed belt-blocking system. For that concern, gently take off the panel. You can take the help of any tool if required. Now move your hand towards the window and take that out too. Now, you will notice that there’s a tiny plastic orb. This orb moves with the heaviness of a steel ball. The seat belt won’t retract due to the collection of dirt and the lack of lubrication between these parts.
To make these orbs work properly and get back your seat belt, apply some oil or any available lubricating product to that portion. You can, in fact, try a little jiggling, though.
2. The up and down sliding
Even if you feel trapped and have thoughts of not reaching home tonight, don’t panic. This technique will surely get rid of that retracted belt for sure. All you have to do is just slide the belt unevenly on the track. While doing this, pull the other side of the strap that would unfold it. If the belt doesn’t get back to its normal position, pull it a bit harder. You can even use pliers that would unfold the belt easily and you are good to go.
3. Clean out the dirt
You might have been driving your car for months or years. Imagine how many times the belt has slouched through your sweaty chest, and don’t forget those dusty drives when the sun is at its extreme heating level.
All these reasons are enough to make the seat belt to load with dirt and become gooey. This is one of the reasons why your retracting system has worn out. Now, the real question is how to fix a seatbelt that won’t retract.
Well, it’s easy as pie. All you have to take is a towel, a small bucket (or any container), detergent, and warm water. Put the warm water into the bucket and add the detergent to it. Next, what you are going to do is to lock the seat belt with the help of a clip and put the rest of the belt into the bucket of warm water and detergent.
Let it sit for an hour and later squeeze as much moisture as you can. Use a towel to dry the belt. You will see that the whole water has turned black which indicates that the dirt has been cleaned and the belt has become shiny as new. Now take off the clip and voila! You have rescued the seat belt.
FAQs
How do I clean a dirty seat belt?
You can gently clean a seat belt with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the belt material.
How much does it cost to replace a seat belt?
Replacing a seat belt is a relatively affordable repair, but costs can vary. You can expect to pay between $20 and $85 for a new seat belt assembly itself, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. On top of that, you’ll likely need to factor in labor costs, which can range from $100 to $125.
Can I replace a seat belt myself?
While it is possible to replace a seat belt yourself, it is a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is generally recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform this repair.
Final Thoughts
The most common reasons for a stuck seat belt are simple issues like dirt, debris, or twists in the belt itself. Sometimes, the retractor mechanism can malfunction or the buckle might be faulty.
By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can often resolve the problem yourself.
Now, this is how you deal with the situation when the seat belt won’t retract! In the worst-case scenario, if none of these methods work, it’s better to take your car to the experts or use some maintenance tips as well.
