Seat belt malfunction

[Hellotalkie]

I have a 2003 ford focus zx3. For some reason the driver side seatbelt will not let me pull it out, i have tried everything. It seems to be in the 'locked' position, (when you brake hard, the seat belt locks) it will take the seat belt in but i can pull it out. I honestly dont know what to do, other than bring it to the dealer. I'm starting to hate this car

 

[nickbits]

"There is a gas cylinder that tightens the belt in a minor collision, it is a one time use part it is independent of the air bag deployment system, you will have to replace the seat belt gas cylinder, that may mean a new belt assembly"

 

[Hellotalkie]

oic, well do you think a dealer will charge an arm and leg for this. I need it done asap too being a seat belt and all

 

[Sukhoi]

My '95 Corolla does the same thing at times. Some combo of letting it sit and rest, or pulling on it a lot will get it to come out. I've only ever had to drive without it once. If you're mechanically inclined you could probably find a seat belt assembly at a junk yard and replace it. They're not the most complicated things. *disclaimer* I am not familiar with that gas cylinder thing and it might be hard to find a seat belt at a junk yard that has not been in a crash.

 

[AnnonUSA]

Since Seatbelts are a required safety device, they should and may be covered by law under warranty longer than the cars original warranty. Check the owners manual or call the dealer.

 

[PClark99]

Originally posted by: AnnonUSA
Since Seatbelts are a required safety device, they should and may be covered by law under warranty longer than the cars original warranty. Check the owners manual or call the dealer.

QFT,

I had something similar happen to me with my Nissan Frontier, dealer replaced it in warranty even though my truck had about 100k miles at the time.

Dig out your owners manual, if you don't have it give your nearest dealership a call.

1 question though, are you the original owner of said vehicle?