Seatbelt won't let go

[hans747]

Hey guys,

I've got a problem with one of the rear seatbelts in my 2002 SE. A lot of guys here have mentioned the problem of the sealtbelts not retracting. I have a similar (but very different problem). I've had two people complain of getting "locked in" by the seatbelt. While sitting back there, they've found that the seatbelt got too tight for comfort, and when they go to loosen it up a bit, it won't put out any slack.

After a little while of wriggling around (and getting a little freaked out) they give up and disconnect the belt using the pushbutton.

Any advice on this?

[workerant]

I think it suppose to work like that. If they pull hard the seat belt will lock up and won't let go. It might work better if they pull it slowly. As far as I know there is no adjustment on it.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/seatbelt.htm

[MrSo0h0o]

yes if it is jerked hard it is kind like an active restraint system. If they give it a second and pull it slowly it will release.

drive slower, the seatbelts are doing exactly what they were intended to do. There is nothing wrong with your car.

[hans747]

thanks for your help, guys!

[workerant]

Is it require by law for your back passenger to seatbelt? Here, we never seat belt when we ride in the back. Unless the driver is really reckless to a point that we feel unsafe.

[scamry]

Originally Posted by TTM77

Is it require by law for your back passenger to seatbelt? Here, we never seat belt when we ride in the back. Unless the driver is really reckless to a point that we feel unsafe.

Well HERE, in the land of intelligent people, we prefer to wear seatbelts at all times....have fun hitting the windshield in a crash....

i really don't mean to be rude..but that's just stupid in every possible way.

[hans747]

To be honest, i don't know if it's required in NC, but some of my friends and family prefer to wear them in the back seat.

As for me, I never did until in HS. I was sitting in the back seat (middle spot) when my friend had to slam on the brakes (with ABS) when no one was ready. The people to my right and left got facefuls headrest. I ended up kissing the AC controls. Now i always wear them.

[CamrySExxx]

The rules in my car is ...

I dont require seat belts in the back seat. I dont mention it but if people put it on then sure why not but I don't haggle them if they dont. If a cop pulls me over they better put their seat belt on or they are paying the ticket (if your over 16 here, you get the ticket, not the driver).

But I have people in the back seat of my car like ... once a month and im always driving so i have my seat belt on

[phisherman]

Hello,

I just joined the club with my second Toyota. It's a 03 Sienna and yes I'm getting old.
Anyway, I've found that one of my rear seatbelts is stuck and will not release at all.
So far I have removed the rear panel, pulled the bolt and removed the retractor. I read in a different retractor post of having to have the ball level before it will release, but I'll darn if this retractor will release.

It appears that whoever tried to get the belt to retract may have gotten the belt slightly twisted, but if I could just get it to release, I'd have that baby fixed and running smooth.
Can anyone make a suggestion.
Thanks

[phisherman]

After some closer inspection of this ball on the retractor, I found the ball to be sticking. After fidgeting with how the ball was sitting in the retractor for sevral minutes, the ball soon moved back into middle position which is "normal" unlocked position and the belt released and has not given me problems since.

The retractor itself seem to do an adequate job of eating the belt.

Time will tell.

[workerant]

check the owner manual see if Toyota give life time warranty for seatbelt.