passenger side seatbelt locks

2147 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Picturetaker, Nov 5, 2009

FireBrick

Discussion Starter · Nov 4, 2009

I've tested it on myself and it doesn't lock.

But for my wife, the seatbelt locks and makes for a uncomfortable ride.

If she pulls the blade across her body and inserts it into the receiver, in one smooth motion, it's fine but any body movement comes, the seatbelt locks tight and won't release.

I've sat in the seat and tried to make it lock on me and it works properly.

Does anyone have any experience with this and can offer a solution.

BTW: Wife's CRV seatbelt works properly for her.

please and thank you.

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ramblerdan

· #2 · Nov 4, 2009

It's very strange that you and your wife are having different experiences with the same belt, FireBrick. The only thing I can think of is noted on page 20 of the 2009 Element owner's manual:

The seat belts in all positions except the driver's have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page 46). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

Is it possible your wife is pulling the belt all the way out before buckling it?

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FireBrick

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 4, 2009

You may be on to something

ramblerdan said:
It's very strange that you and your wife are having different experiences with the same belt, FireBrick. The only thing I can think of is noted on page 20 of the 2009 Element owner's manual:

The seat belts in all positions except the driver's have a lockable retractor that must be activated to secure a child seat (see page 46). If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the lockable retractor will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely. To deactivate the lockable retractor, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

Is it possible your wife is pulling the belt all the way out before buckling it?

Now that you mention it....she pulls it out in front of her, then holds the strap with her right hand while puts the blade into the receiver with her left.
Obviously she can't do that when behind the wheel as the receiver is on her right side.

Will check this out. Although when we go in her CRV, I usually drive so she is still in the passenger seat.

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Andy14120

· #4 · Nov 4, 2009

A seatbelt extender could help. You won't get one from Honda though. They refuse to provide them. But since so many parts are outsourced, there is a good chance the free ones Chevy gives out at their parts counters will fit fine. It will give about a foot more usable length so she doesn't hit the ratchet thing. If you got one for the driver side, you may notice the relative position of the shoulder belt might no longer rest across your neck (dangerous place).

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Picturetaker

· #5 · Nov 4, 2009 (Edited)

As ANDY14120 said the seat belt extender for the most part fixed the problem on my 07 E. I used one for a 2006 Buick Rainier Should be the same as a Trailblazer or Olds Bravada. It was free from GM. I gave them a Vin number from a listing in one of the auto sites from a used car list. This is what I did to fix my problem I am in no way suggesting changing any of the saftey equipment on your vehicle.

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ramblerdan

· #6 · Nov 4, 2009

FireBrick didn't say the seat belt didn't fit his wife; he only said it wouldn't yield when she moved—apparently caused by her unnecessarily pulling it all the way out, which puts the belt in "baby seat" mode. The solution is, as the doctor in the joke says, "Don't do that."

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GaryS

· #7 · Nov 4, 2009

ramblerdan said:
The solution is, as the doctor in the joke says, "Don't do that."

Or: "Let her drive."

:roll:

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FireBrick

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 5, 2009

Wish I could!

One way to solve the problem....wife is a good driver, but rather watch scenery. I wish I could get her to drive, just an hour or so.
So I could snooze. LOL

I ordered an extension...try simple things first.

:roll:[/QUOTE]

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Picturetaker

· #9 · Nov 5, 2009

The extension will fix the problem. Leave the extension plugged into the buckle side (left hand),and use the extension buckle to hook to the belt you pull across, in this way you do not pull the belt out as far, and the locking will not happen unless you lean forward during hard braking.

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