rrtec
10-17-2008, 07:49 PM
I searched and found other's with the same issue but no real fix posted, so I thought i'd share.
Well the rear seatbelt (passengerside) would not release and I ended up replacing it with a junkyard unit. I removed the old part and though removing it I expected to learn something about what went wrong and try to share the wealth. BUT... I was unable to determine what the issue was.. I will share with you what I did learn though...
1- The seatbelt is easy to remove. (one bolt on the back of the rear seat, and one under the seat cushion below)
2- The rear seatbelt assembly is the same in all 3 series (2dr or 4dr) except convertibles. And both sides will fit interchangeably.
3- If you decide to try to disect the seatbelt assembly to repair VS replace BEWARE do not remove the cover on the LEFT side of the unit (shows WHITE BACKING) it contains a metal spring that WILL uncoil and essentially Destroy the unit. The "yellow" backed side is removeable and can be disected without causing damage.
4- The seatbelt will not release UNLESS the seat is snapped back in the upright position so DO NOT even try to release the belt unless it is in the upright position.
5- Pelican Parts dot com offers the replacement seatbelts for $149.00 with free shipping. I picked up my used seatbelt for $7.00 at the local pick and pull lot...
I am not sure that my seatbelt was really broken now, it appeared normal upon inspection. I am wondering if the seat wasn't fully in the upright position.. The belt will not release if it is not up and nothing looked to be broken.. So I guess make 100% sure your seat is snapped in and locked before calling your belt broken. I bought a spare rear seatbelt just incase... But This may be worth playing with before dropping $ on parts you may not need...:dunno:
Well the rear seatbelt (passengerside) would not release and I ended up replacing it with a junkyard unit. I removed the old part and though removing it I expected to learn something about what went wrong and try to share the wealth. BUT... I was unable to determine what the issue was.. I will share with you what I did learn though...
1- The seatbelt is easy to remove. (one bolt on the back of the rear seat, and one under the seat cushion below)
2- The rear seatbelt assembly is the same in all 3 series (2dr or 4dr) except convertibles. And both sides will fit interchangeably.
3- If you decide to try to disect the seatbelt assembly to repair VS replace BEWARE do not remove the cover on the LEFT side of the unit (shows WHITE BACKING) it contains a metal spring that WILL uncoil and essentially Destroy the unit. The "yellow" backed side is removeable and can be disected without causing damage.
4- The seatbelt will not release UNLESS the seat is snapped back in the upright position so DO NOT even try to release the belt unless it is in the upright position.
5- Pelican Parts dot com offers the replacement seatbelts for $149.00 with free shipping. I picked up my used seatbelt for $7.00 at the local pick and pull lot...
I am not sure that my seatbelt was really broken now, it appeared normal upon inspection. I am wondering if the seat wasn't fully in the upright position.. The belt will not release if it is not up and nothing looked to be broken.. So I guess make 100% sure your seat is snapped in and locked before calling your belt broken. I bought a spare rear seatbelt just incase... But This may be worth playing with before dropping $ on parts you may not need...:dunno:
