Solution for drivers side seat belt. Stays retracted, do I need to buy entire NEW part. Shops suggest used (junk yard) but then back away. Jim P.

I would just replace it, it's hard to replace. You can keep one up from a junk yard or order one online. A seat belt is a safety device. Safety devices are not something I would try to repair just as precaution.

Good advice f/Steve...

The "DRIVER'S" seat belt (smart/safe driver) will get
the most USE/Abuse...

As will the "belt".

The most COMMON FAILURE will be the RETRACTOR spring.

A cheap part...

Likewise the BELT will also be well worn.

My BEST SUGGESTION would be a UPHOLSTERY shop..!!

Junk yards are cool.. but if you go after the DRIVER's
seat belt... It will be the MOST WORN belt in the vehicle.

Beware.

The re-tractor is called an Inertia Reel. There on the side, remove the cover and there is a trigger release on most. If the spring is broken, you will need to replace the reel. Check at a local junk yard for the best price.

dc don

junk yard replace for around 15 to 20 dollers

Citrifical swicth is bad you'll have to replace the unit. carparts.com and search the junk yards marshalls in circilleville ohio has great service and prices.

The short answer is yes. There is not much inside a seat belt that is repairable. Your best bet would be to head for an auto salvage yard and pick up a decent used one. Hope this helps.

JUNK YARD ITEM , BETWEEN $50 TO $75

THE WHOLE PART

I have never found away to fix a seat adjuster. What I have had to do is go to a junk yard and buy a new seat base and intsall it. It is a pretty simple job.

1)move the plastic cover over the seat belt out of the way to gain access to the two mounting bolts for the seat belt mechanism. Use a 10mm wrench and a 14mm wrench and remove the two bolts holding the seat belt mechanism to the body. Use a small drill bit or small screwdriver and make one hole in the plastic cover on each side of the seat belt mechanism (the covers say "do not remove plastic cover". Spray lots of wd40 in each hole. Then exercise the seat belt. When the mechanism allows the belt to be retracted, retract the belt all the way out and exercise the seat belt. Reinstall mechanism with both mounting screws in original position and put plastic cover back in place. Good luck. New seat belt costs $100.00 from dealer and are hard to find working in junk yards. I have fixed several of them this way.