Seatbelt locking problem for 1986 - 1988 only
07-11-07, 03:09 AM
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Seatbelt locking problem for 1986 - 1988 only
Obviously, the automatic mouse belts don't qualify... 
I wish I had more time to take care of a proper write-up (and get pics), but this turned out to be an emergency fix, since it was just getting really bad.
Trying to fasten your seatbelt would be met with the belt locking up prematurely, which made it impossible to fasten your seatbelt.
Down here, it's a $92 fine to get caught without your seatbelt on!
I heard about a write-up a loooong time ago on the old mailing list, so I figure I'd tackle the project right before work.
It didn't take long, as the longest time would be to remove the B-pillar sail panel cover.
Since my car doesn't have that installed, this made it easy.
A trio of 16mm (yeah, odd size) bolts held the majority of the seatbelt assembly together.
Another pair of screws held a plastic guide on the B-pillar, while one last 10mm(?) with Phillips head help the top of the retractor assembly.
Once everything is out, the retractor assembly has a white, opaque plastic bag around it - to protect from moisture?
You can remove the bag and expose the assembly itself.
Once exposed, carefully pop open the plastic over - this cover is secure at two locations, and gently prying with a flathead screwdriver should do it.
Do NOT pop the plastic cover that has the long wound spring - WRONG SIDE!
Under the plastic cover, you'll see the inertial ball assembly that triggers the belt to lock up.
The ball bearing and plastic clip assembly slides right out.
Once removed, remove the ball and you'll see that there's "crud" on the top and bottom where the ball sits in the plastic clip.
This causes the clip to tip upward and prematurely trigger the belt to lock!
It's quick and easy to scrape away the crap and put everything back.
Once I had done that, the belt doesn't lock prematurely anymore!
I guess the cars being 20 years old allows a lot of crap to accumulate in such an area.
You wouldn't think it would be that big of a deal, but driving around with a seatbelt on is just asking for trouble down here!
Hope this helps!
-Ted
I wish I had more time to take care of a proper write-up (and get pics), but this turned out to be an emergency fix, since it was just getting really bad.
Trying to fasten your seatbelt would be met with the belt locking up prematurely, which made it impossible to fasten your seatbelt.
Down here, it's a $92 fine to get caught without your seatbelt on!
I heard about a write-up a loooong time ago on the old mailing list, so I figure I'd tackle the project right before work.
It didn't take long, as the longest time would be to remove the B-pillar sail panel cover.
Since my car doesn't have that installed, this made it easy.
A trio of 16mm (yeah, odd size) bolts held the majority of the seatbelt assembly together.
Another pair of screws held a plastic guide on the B-pillar, while one last 10mm(?) with Phillips head help the top of the retractor assembly.
Once everything is out, the retractor assembly has a white, opaque plastic bag around it - to protect from moisture?
You can remove the bag and expose the assembly itself.
Once exposed, carefully pop open the plastic over - this cover is secure at two locations, and gently prying with a flathead screwdriver should do it.
Do NOT pop the plastic cover that has the long wound spring - WRONG SIDE!
Under the plastic cover, you'll see the inertial ball assembly that triggers the belt to lock up.
The ball bearing and plastic clip assembly slides right out.
Once removed, remove the ball and you'll see that there's "crud" on the top and bottom where the ball sits in the plastic clip.
This causes the clip to tip upward and prematurely trigger the belt to lock!
It's quick and easy to scrape away the crap and put everything back.
Once I had done that, the belt doesn't lock prematurely anymore!
I guess the cars being 20 years old allows a lot of crap to accumulate in such an area.
You wouldn't think it would be that big of a deal, but driving around with a seatbelt on is just asking for trouble down here!
Hope this helps!
-Ted
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Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
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09-16-18 07:16 PM
