Hello,

 

For no apparent reason, the driver's side seat belt simply stopped working yesterday. The belt slides up and down just a few inches before it stops cold. I've pulled very hard on it, but nothing budges. Is there anything simple I can do to fix it, or must I take it to a mechanic? Any advice appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Eleni

Its a DIYer if you're handy. Pull the trim piece on the B pillar (it just pops off if pried with a taped up screw driver). Remove the big bolt that holds the seat belt retractor to the floor and now you can get at the problem. BE CAREFUL if the belt has pretensioners, meaning yellow stickers that warn of explosive bolts! There will also be an electrical connection to trigger them. I don't believe they are on 98 Subies, but if they are....leave the job to a mechanic. You could lose an eye or fingers if they go off. If there are no warning labels, there are no pretensioners to worry about. Look at both ends of the retractor for plastic caps over the springs and ratchets. As you move the belt to pull it out you'll see where your jamb is and may be able to correct the problem by filing a part or bending it slightly. You may even see a small screw jambed somewhere. If there is nothing visible that can be corrected, your cheapest route will be to search a junkyard for a replacement. Good Luck!

Thanks so much for the information!

 

Its a DIYer if you're handy. Pull the trim piece on the B pillar (it just pops off if pried with a taped up screw driver). Remove the big bolt that holds the seat belt retractor to the floor and now you can get at the problem. BE CAREFUL if the belt has pretensioners, meaning yellow stickers that warn of explosive bolts! There will also be an electrical connection to trigger them. I don't believe they are on 98 Subies, but if they are....leave the job to a mechanic. You could lose an eye or fingers if they go off. If there are no warning labels, there are no pretensioners to worry about. Look at both ends of the retractor for plastic caps over the springs and ratchets. As you move the belt to pull it out you'll see where your jamb is and may be able to correct the problem by filing a part or bending it slightly. You may even see a small screw jambed somewhere. If there is nothing visible that can be corrected, your cheapest route will be to search a junkyard for a replacement. Good Luck!