Lately when I get in the car, I can't pull the seatbelt out. It is like the ratchet that stops the seatbelt from unwinding in an accident is stuck on. If I pull on the seatbelt a few times, it releases and then I can pull out the seatbelt and put it on. It doesn't happen all the time, so I don't know if a dealer could fix an intermittent problem. Anyone ever see this before and know of the fix ? It is a 2012 Prius with 58K miles. Thanks for any help.
JC91006, It happens when I pull it slow too. It is like the ratchet gets stuck and after a few pulls, it releases. Then I can pull it slow or fast and it works fine until it happens again. I can't figure out what triggers it to latch up in the first place. Thanks for the help
I find most manufacturers will fix seat belt problems if you bring it to their attention. It's a safety issue.
What is the attitude of the vehicle when you attempt to connect the belt? If you are not on level ground it might be activating the lock-up mechanism. See if the passenger side acts the same. Older shoulder belt lock-up mechanisms were individual to each retractor and would gum up with dust and dirt. The control on a Prius might be centralized now, not sure.
azwxguy, mrbigh, I was in my garage. I would think that would qualify as a level surface The passenger side works fine, so this looks like a driver side problem. I was wondering if the latch mechanism is getting gummed up from lots of use. The car is used every day. I wonder if I take it back to the dealer if they will just replace the whole seatbelt. It looks like that part runs $175. I would like to just be able to clean the ratchet mechanism becase that is where the problem is. Thanks
My PIP is the same age than yours and being used every single day, it almost has the same ware and tear than yours. If you are adventurous, you can remove the plastic cowl that encase the seat belt mechanism and use a compressed air duster to clean up some collected lint around and verify its operation; or you can go to the dealer.......
i have used mine almost everyday, for 3 years, i don't think it's a fur ball. don't they have a 5 year warranty? i wouldn't want the liability of fiddling with it personally.
... and if you do choose to poke into it, be sure to read up on the pretensioner (a/k/a small bomb) that's in there. -Chap
bisco, I didn't think the seatbelts had a different warranty. I thought it was covered by the 3/36K warranty (which has long passed) chap, I think I read about those and they said it was just like having a 22 cal bullet there. Thanks for all the input/help
1. Make sure the seatbelt bolts are not loose. Sometimes if the retractor is not bolted in at the correct angle, it thinks you're in a crash and will lock up. 2. Safety items (seatbelts, airbags, etc.) carry a lifetime warranty regardless of age or mileage under federal law. If you feel it's a manufacturer's defect, take it to your local dealer.
Nobody123, Interesting. I wonder if they would repair an intermittent item or do I have to wait for it to fail. Thanks
