What Causes the Seat Belt Not to Retract?

[SanJames]

Seat belt not retracting to its original position is often caused by dirt accumulation. Proper cleaning can resolve the issue. Below are the details: 1. Over time, oil and grime (mainly from hand sweat and oil when pulling the belt) accumulate on the seat belt, causing it to harden and get stuck at the hook above the seat. 2. The friction contact area between the seat belt webbing and the B-pillar buckle accumulates excessive dirt, preventing the belt from retracting. Use dish soap or a cleaner to wash it, and the belt will function normally once dry. 3. If the seat belt slide is too close to the B-pillar, the retractor and webbing may not align properly, hindering retraction. Installing a spring washer or adjusting the slide slightly away from the B-pillar can help. 4. Obstruction of the lower guide wheel may prevent proper retraction. Remove the trim panel, clear debris or dust near the wheel, and clean it with a suitable cleaner.