You need a properly functioning seat belt, to ensure you’re protected. If you continuously find your seat belt not retracting, address the issue immediately.
If your seat belt won’t retract, the issue may be occurring due to twisted webbing. Here are steps you can use to correct this issue.
Unbuckle your seat belt to create slack in the webbing. Feed the seat belt backward — this can help you create a few inches of retraction.
Extend the seat belt outward. This lets you eliminate any twists in the webbing. Look for twists at the seat belt’s pillar loop and any locations where the belt hides behind trim paneling.
If necessary, take out paneling that covers any seat belt components. This gives you a chance to remove any twists that are otherwise hidden underneath paneling.
Those who try these steps but still find their seat belt locked up should bring their car to a professional mechanic. At this point, the mechanic can repair or replace the defective seat belt.
A faulty or damaged seat belt retractor can make it nearly impossible to pull your seat belt out. In this instance, you won’t be able to use your seat belt. And, you won’t be able to properly secure yourself while you’re driving.
If your seat belt won’t pull out, here are three steps you can use to remediate the problem.
Produce slack by feeding your seat belt into its retractor. This can help you eliminate an obstruction that hampers your ability to pull your seat belt out.
Dirt, dust, and other debris can trigger retractor problems. Remove these obstructions, so you can fully access your retractor. And, keep your car interior clean to avoid the same issue going forward.
If your seat belt is twisted, turn your retractor inward. This allows you to create slack, so you can eliminate twists in the belt. If you’re struggling to untwist your belt by hand, you may want to use a flathead screwdriver.
Verify your seat belt can be pulled outward. To do so, grab your belt’s webbing and give it a few swift, forceful tugs. This can free up bound or misaligned components in your retractor and restore its functionality.
In addition to the aforementioned issues, other seat belt problems can occasionally appear.
For instance, a twisted or kinked seat belt may retract slower than expected. You may be able to correct this problem by pulling your belt outward and fully extending it. Then, look for any twists and undo them. Finally, let your belt retract to its original position to ensure it is working correctly.
Also, your seat belt buckle’s release button can become difficult to depress due to prolonged use. If this happens, clean the buckle with rubbing alcohol or electrical contact cleaner. This allows you to remove any debris or other contaminants that may be causing the release button to malfunction.
You can troubleshoot a seat belt that does not work properly. However, if seat belt problems persist, bring your car to a professional to fix them.
