98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

Like the title says, my seatbelt's (only tried the front seats) don't lock up. When you pull on them hard, they don't lock at all. This has got me worried.. god forbid I were to get into an accident I would just fly forward. What causes this and how could I fix it?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Its the very quick pull that should make them grab and stop the belt from coming out. Its tough to do on some.

But you never know, a dealership might replace them all if the word "liable" is brought up. lol

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Right - its about being pulled fast, not hard: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_belt#Technologies

If both of your belts are working in the same way, they are probably fine. (Unless you always fly with a co-pilot, your driver's side belt should be the first to go - but that should be after a serious amount of driving.) If one will lock up and the other will not, then the locking mechanism could be gummed up and the belt may need to be replaced.

I had to replace a belt in a Pontiac once, but that was after 150K and the problem was due to the belt constantly locking up and not the other way around.

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

I'm not really sure, I've pulled on them fast. Neither of them lock up. Is this something that would be really expensive for a stealership to fix for me?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

My car is 10 1/2 years old, but I never ever wear my seat belts so they are basically untouched and like new. They lock instantly when I pull them just a little bit. Don't have to jerk them real hard at all.

Take the interior covers off and spray the **** out of them with WD-40, see if that helps.

If not, go to the dealership and see if they'll replace them for free, bitch a little bit that its bullshit they are both not working. I could understand one, but not both. Its worth a try.

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

What covers do I take off? Is the mechanism up in the roof in these cars?
Not to sound like someone's mother, but careful not wearin' the seat belts. I've first hand seen some nasty things.
Thanks for your help

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

I hear ya.

But, yes, you need to take the interior pieces off, I really never did it, but you have to just figure it out and you'll get them off. I think its that big side wall piece that needs to be pulled away.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

What ever you do, do not spray WD-40 in to your seat belt mechanism! WD-40 is a penetrating lubricant and is only good for loosening rusty bolts. It works to free up things but gathers dirt and gunk shortly thereafter. It will also likely dissolve any good lubricant left in the mechanism. It may even ruin the mechanism if its still good. Spray WD-40 on a squeaky door hinge and you'll see that it comes back a couple of months later worse than it started...

See the attached doc from the GM factory service manual for the F-Body. It outlines the official procedure for testing the belt's locking mechanism. The mechanism is non-serviceable and if it fails the test, it should be completely replaced.

WS6 Rampage

iTrader: (3)

Just the thought of a seatbelt that doesn't latch is funny fucked up!

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

Thanks guys. If i shouldn't use WD-40, what should I use?
Yeah, my last car had this same problem! Kinda makes the seatbelt pointless.

383hatch

the belt doesnt lock from the mechanism in our cars. The buckle is the lock, if that makes sense.

TAtoad

iTrader: (22)

is the warranty on these items also 3/36? when i worked at honda the warranty on restraint systems was longer than the bumper to bumper

NDFORSPD

I had this exact problem last march when trying to safety the camaro(98) and wouldn't pass for this exact reason. I pulled out the assy. and it was working fine when the belt was tilted forward(as in the diag. above). I followed that up(since I had to have proof from GM to cert.) and went to a buddy mech. to get a GM TSB or whatever its called. They said the same thing, pendulum mechanism

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Its a sealed unit and is non-servaceable. If the belt will not lock after following the proceedure, you have to replace the whole belt/retractor.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Giving it a quick jerk should lock it instantly. Gotta pull suddenly and quick, just a smooth fast motion won't do it.

WS6 Rampage

iTrader: (3)

I think it goes without saying how dangerous that is. ...How much does the dealer want for a new one or to fix it?