What to Do If the Seat Belt Doesn't Retract?
2 Answers
If the seat belt doesn't retract, it needs to be repaired. The reason the seat belt doesn't retract is that the sliding buckle at the upper end of the seat belt is too close to the B-pillar, causing the seat belt inside the sliding buckle and the seat belt inside the retractor box to not align in a straight line. This misalignment causes jamming during automatic retraction, preventing it from retracting properly. To fix this, remove the fixing bolt and add a spring washer, which should be the same as the original one. If the seat belt doesn't retract, you can open the decorative panel, clean the dust and debris around the roller and the locking mechanism, and then spray throttle cleaner. Remember not to use engine oil, as it tends to attract dust. The seat belt is a critical safety device related to life safety, so vehicles undergo multiple rigorous tests before leaving the factory.
Last time I drove, the seatbelt wouldn't retract and it really scared me. At first I thought it was a major issue, but actually it's usually caused by too much dust buildup in the buckle or a worn-out retractor spring. Try gently pulling it out and releasing a few times to see if it retracts on its own. If not, use a soft brush to clean the buckle or compressed air to blow it clean. Never yank it forcefully to avoid damaging the belt. Sometimes small objects stuck in the seat gaps can cause this - just clear them out. The seatbelt is a life-saving device - if it won't retract, it might be malfunctioning and won't protect you in an accident. After cleaning mine, it worked again, but in older cars the retractor spring tends to wear out, so getting it checked at a repair shop is safer. Remember to regularly clean around the seats when washing your car to prevent dust buildup - developing this habit saves both worry and money.
