Seat belt won't retract!

[RussToy]

2000 SR5 4x4 V-6 auto.
No CEL or Airbag lights
No previous issues w/ seat belts.
0 accidents.

Today we went to the store, my wife put on her seat belt, she was sitting in the front passenger seat. Just before we arrived at the store the belt felt tight on her so she grabbed the belt (the part going across her chest) and gave it a quick pull out and away from her body. The belt pulled out maybe 1/2" and locked. When we got to the store (the trip was only a 2-3 mile drive) she released her seat belt; however, the belt did not retract as hoped. It continued to remain locked in place.

I pulled on it several time trying to get it to release...and retract the belt. After unknown amount of pulls...the mechanism finally released. However, my excitement was short lived, due to only 5"-6" of belt retracted and then locked again. Since then, no amount of pulling or manipulation of the belt has worked. I had my wife sit in the back seat on the way home. Since the malfunction, I've driven 20-25 miles...while the seat belt continues to remain locked!

I've done several searches. Most talk about slow retracting seat belts due to dirt and nastiness. Most just need to be cleaned. This issue is mechicanical. Is there a lever or button on the retractor that will release the lock??

To me...it's acting as if it was in an accident and is locked. The only problem with that...there was no crash. Can it be plausible my wife has superwoman strength...and when she pulled out on the belt she made the vehicle think it was in a crash?? I don't know...I'm just grasping at straws :shrug:

Any and all help is much appreciated! I'm really hoping there's an easy fix for this...but I have a funny feeling before this is done and over...I'll be at the dealership buying a new unit. :wof:

Thanks in advance

 

[repo]

Can it be plausible my wife has superwoman strength...and when she pulled out on the belt she made the vehicle think it was in a crash?? I don't know...I'm just grasping at straws :shrug:

The seatbelts are actually hooked up to an explosive squib similar to an airbag to tension them in a crash.

 

[RussToy]

The seatbelts are actually hooked up to an explosive squib similar to an airbag to tension them in a crash.

We never heard any type of an explosion. Little or big?? Is there anyway to be able to look at it and tell if the "squib" has gone off?

If the squib has for whatever reason (exploded) gone off...do you just replace it? Or what do you have to do? Thanks for the help.

 

[pluton]

If I was you, I'd investigate the cost of a new retractor, or a junkyard replacement unit.

 

[Bstrom]

Yeah, mine likes to stay extended and I have to fiddle with it to retract. Wear and tear...

 

[GHARP57]

If I was you, I'd investigate the cost of a new retractor, or a junkyard replacement unit.

IF you want your wife's life to be trusted to a junkyard safety part like a seatbelt, then go right ahead. I cant fathom using used safety equipment on vehicles, We force the sales department to buy new ones whenever we have a used car that needs one.
[MENTION=72272]RussToy[/MENTION] message me your VIN and I will look one up for you and price out a new one, I will give you a good price break on it as well and even ship it to you.

 

[StreetCreeper]

I bet some married guys would pay extra for the crappy used junkyard seatbelt...

 

[HammerHead]

I replaced mine with a new one 12 months ago and it's back to partially retracting again.

 

[GHARP57]

I replaced mine with a new one 12 months ago and it's back to partially retracting again.

Check the date of purchase, toyota has a 1 year warranty on parts

 

[RussToy]

IF you want your wife's life to be trusted to a junkyard safety part like a seatbelt, then go right ahead. I cant fathom using used safety equipment on vehicles, We force the sales department to buy new ones whenever we have a used car that needs one.

[MENTION=72272]RussToy[/MENTION] message me your VIN and I will look one up for you and price out a new one, I will give you a good price break on it as well and even ship it to you.

Sound great Sir! I'll PM you later with the VIN. Appreciate the help :bravo:

- Russel

 

[TheDurk]

I replaced mine with a new one 12 months ago and it's back to partially retracting again.

It's probably NOS, (new old stock) and the springs are tired out of the box. I have read that cleaning the belt helps.

I have this link in my collection, although it is not for the later (99+?) retractors that have an explosive SRS squib built in. I have nothing on rehabbing those and I can't recommend trying. Do so at your own risk:

Minute Mod- Fixing Seatbelt Retractors

 

[Merninater]

It's probably NOS, (new old stock) and the springs are tired out of the box. I have read that cleaning the belt helps.

I have this link in my collection, although it is not for the later (99+?) retractors that have an explosive SRS squib built in. I have nothing on rehabbing those and I can't recommend trying. Do so at your own risk:

Minute Mod- Fixing Seatbelt Retractors

Is this true that I cannot do the mod you are referencing if I have a 2002 4Runner? My drivers seat belt has gotten very loose over the past year. The replacement belt system from Toyota is ridiculously expensive.

 

[Cam05210]

Replaced mine in my '99 a few weeks ago...bought used one online only to find out AFTER I had taken the other out that it didn't have the Pre-Tensioner on it. Make sure yours either has or doesn't have this before purchasing... Had to order new one from dealership, but very easy to install and in hindsight feel much better about having the new one with passengers.

 

[AntleredRuin]

The seatbelts are actually hooked up to an explosive squib similar to an airbag to tension them in a crash.

Here's your explosive squib...

 

[TheDurk]

Is this true that I cannot do the mod you are referencing if I have a 2002 4Runner? My drivers seat belt has gotten very loose over the past year. The replacement belt system from Toyota is ridiculously expensive.

I just said I didn't know. I still don't.

 

[thegipper]

I was under the impression that all directly safety related items (seat belts, air bags ect) are warrantied forever because of federal safety laws.

I had an issue with a seat belt sensor on my Acura TL so I took it in. Dealer told me they would fix it free of charge because they have to under federal law.

I could be totally wrong but this was what I was told. Plus, what dealership would ever repair your car for free, especially an Acura dealership...LOL

Update: SO i did a few google searches and it sounds like some manufacturers choose to cover all safety related items like seat belts for life. I could not find any federal law that confirms the Acura dudes claim. It sounds like Acura/Honda on their own warranties all safety related items for life but other manufactures may not.

I wonder if Toyota does?

 

[Merninater]

I just said I didn't know. I still don't.

Was just referencing your post. Wasn't directed at you I probably shouldn't have quoted. Sorry Durk.

 

[SCHUNTER1969]

I was off roading and had a 400lb buddy in the back seat.... I came down hard one time and the seat belt holding my buddy in broke.

I pulled one from the junkyard and 7 years later its still working. As long as it is a Toyota part, I trust a junkyard cars.

 

[AntleredRuin]

I pulled one from the junkyard and 7 years later its still working. As long as it is a Toyota part, I trust a junkyard cars.

I don't specifically see the issue in this. If it's the driver's belt, and the junker was in a wreck, then maybe not, as that belt obviously got some good 'wear impact' on it, but the other belts, I think I'd be ok with.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Sound great Sir! I'll PM you later with the VIN. Appreciate the help :bravo:

- Russel

7322035490B0 Gray $235.16

7322035491E0 Oak $235.16

I bought one just because I was tired of having to pick up the belt and throw it inside the truck every time I got out.