Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
How To Deal With Common Seat Belt Complaints (B12080B)
Reference number: B12080B
HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON SEAT BELT COMPLAINTS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | General Information |
| CATEGORY: | Restraints |
| APPLIES TO: | General Information |
SERVICE INFORMATION
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article replaces "Dealing With Seat Belt Complaints," issued in May 2012 .
All seat belts returned under warranty are carefully inspected to find out just what caused the problem. In most cases, it winds up being No Trouble Found (NTF), or parts damage from either contamination (spilled beverages, lodged objects) or cuts in the belt webbing. Such damage isn't covered by warranty.
The most common complaints you'll have to deal with are the seat belt won't retract or won't pull out, or the seat belt buckle won't work. Here's a look at the probable causes and what to do about them.
Seat Belt Won't Retract or Won't Pull Out
If the seat belt won't retract or won't pull out, the belt could be twisted somewhere in the belt path or on the retractor reel, keeping the belt from fully retracting and releasing the locking mechanism. Always check for a twisted belt before replacing the retractor. If it's twisted in the belt path, remove any twists so the belt moves smoothly. If it's twisted on the retractor reel, turn the reel by hand until the locking mechanism releases, then pull out the belt and remove any twists.
If the passenger's belt won't pull out, but there's nothing twisted, here's another possibility: In 1996, we started outfitting the retractors on passenger lap/shoulder belts with locking mechanisms to secure child seats. When the belt is pulled all the way out, the mechanism engages. Once it does, the belt keeps retracting, but locks up if you try pulling it out again. That feature lets you wrap the belt around a child seat yet still adjust it nice and snug. When you release the buckle and let the belt fully retract, the seat belt returns to normal operation.
Seat Belt Buckle Won't Work
If the seat belt buckle won't work, shine a flashlight down inside and check for spilled or lodged items. Sticky residue from a spilled beverage or even a lodged coin or toothpick can affect the latching mechanism's operation.
If you find anything that doesn't belong there, replace the buckle. And to spare your client the expense of yet another repair, make sure you tell the service consultant what caused the problem, so he or she can pass it along to your client.
A Word to the Wise
Some seat belt parts, like the retractor and buckle, have small pieces that can easily get damaged if you try servicing them. Never take a seat belt buckle or retractor apart or try to clean, lubricate, or repair them; your dealership could be held liable for any improper repairs. Simple servicing (like removing any twists in the belt, and cleaning the belt, tongue plate, and upper anchor loop) is OK. You'll find instructions for this in both the electronic service manual and the owner's manual.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.