How To Fix A Seatbelt That Won T Click
Are you wondering how to fix the seat belt buckle in your car? It can be incredibly frustrating having to deal with a jammed seat belt buckle. But it is even worse when it refuses to latch in the first place.
Both of those issues are not only annoying but also extremely dangerous as you simply mustn't drive your car without being able to fasten your seat belt. Besides, driving without one is illegal in most countries in the world, and can end up costing you a lot of money in fines.
Even if your seat belt buckle is working fine at the moment, it is likely you will have an issue with it at some point. The mechanism in the buckles is rather frail and can start to malfunction when you least expect it.
Sometimes, all it takes is a rough pull of the belt in the wrong direction, and it will no longer work properly. Other times, something can fall inside the buckle and cause the mechanism to fail. In rare cases, some parts of the device can break, and the whole buckle will have to be replaced.
In case you have a dysfunctional seat belt buckle, I have put together a guide that will help you determine what is causing the issue and how to fix it. Depending on the root of the problem, you could be able to fix it in a matter of minutes. But it may also prove to be a little trickier and take a few extra steps.
How the Seat Belt Buckle Works
Vehicles are made of strong, durable materials that ensure the safety of the passengers and can stand the test of time. However, manufacturers don't design all components of the car with the same level of care. Seat belt buckles are typically made of plain old plastic. Therefore, we cannot expect them to last as long as other parts of our car. To better understand what makes the seat belt buckle break, you need to know what is inside it.
The seat belt mechanism is a pretty straightforward one. It consists of:
- The tongue
- The webbing
- The retractor
- The buckle
- The pillar loops
The tongue, which is also called the male connector or the clip, is attached to the polyester webbing (aka the strap or the belt). The webbing is rolled around the retractor, which is the winding mechanism usually hidden in the walls of your car. The belt is sprung through the pillar loops from where you pull it over your shoulders and across your chest before you connect the tongue to the buckle. That is the female part that holds and releases the male connector.
As you can see, the seat belt mechanism is quite simple, so if you can't fix it on your own, chances are it can't be fixed at all. In that case, don't waste time trying to find a repairman, and invest in a new buckle instead.
What to Have on Hand
Before we get down to brass tacks and explain how to fix the seat belt buckle on your own, let's see what you need to prepare beforehand. Regardless of whether the problem is a jammed buckle or one that won't release, this is what you will need:
- A screwdriver
- A small, pointy object (like a butter knife)
- Tweezers
- WD-40 or another lubricant or solvent
- A couple of Q tips
- Some rubbing alcohol
How to Fix the Seat Belt Buckle That Will Not Latch
If you are having trouble with a buckle that won't click and hold the tongue in place, the first thing you'll have to do is check if something is blocking the mechanism. Here is how to go about it in a few easy steps.
1. Inspect the Belt
The first thing to do is to examine the seat belt tongue. If it is damaged or if something got stuck on it, it could be preventing the female part from latching onto it. If you notice it is dirty, clean it, and try the buckle again to see if that solved the problem.
Now is also a good time to check the webbing for any cuts or tears, as those can prevent it from retracting later on. Pull it out completely, then slowly let it coil back inside.
2. Check the Buckle
The buckle is located right next to your seat, so it is very likely that something fell inside and is messing with the way it works. It is not uncommon for coins or small toys to fall in. Food particles, spilled beverages, and dirt buildup are other usual suspects that can cause the buckle to malfunction.
Take a screwdriver or the pointy object you previously prepared and try to remove whatever is stuck inside the buckle. Most of the time, that solves the problem. If you are unable to pull anything out, you will need to take the steps that follow.
3. Remove the Buckle
Depending on the make of your vehicle, the buckle may be hard to reach. If it is uncomfortable for you to work on it in the car, you'll have to remove it before you pry it open. That can be a bit tricky, as for some car models, you first have to remove the seat. If you are unsure how to go about it, consult your owner's manual. It will have all the details on how to do it one step at a time.
4. Disassemble the Buckle
Opening the seat belt buckle may seem like a daunting task at first, but it is, in fact, quite a simple process. Most buckles have a couple of screws that you'll need to undo, or they can be opened by applying a bit of force on the two plastic pieces. However, do be careful when disassembling it, as there are many tiny parts inside that can fall out and get lost.
Inside you will see a pretty straightforward system. There is a cam that catches the male connector when you insert it in the buckle. You will also see a "push" button, which is usually red, and some springs. When you press the "push" button, the cam releases the clip, and the springs push it out of the buckle.
Once you open the buckle, check how the system works by inserting the male connector inside. Most of the time, there is something stuck in the mechanism and blocking it, or there is a part that is loose or broken. If you can't see any broken parts, clean everything with rubbing alcohol using a Q tip.
Reassemble the buckle and check if it works properly this time around. If all of its parts are clean, in place, and nothing is broken, it should work like a charm. Carefully assemble the rest of the buckle, and make sure everything fits snugly before you put it back in the car.
5. Get a New Buckle
The steps described above usually do the trick for repairing the seat belt buckle. But it can happen that a component inside the buckle is broken. For most car models, you won't be able to find those parts unless you already have an old spare buckle to borrow the part from. So when all else fails, you'll have to invest a couple of hundred dollars and replace the buckle with a new one.
How to Fix the Seat Belt Buckle That Will Not Release
Another common issue with seat belts is the clip jamming inside the buckle. Here is how to fix the seat belt buckle that won't let loose:
- Take your WD-40 or another lubricant and spray a small amount in the opening of the buckle.
- Leave it in for a few seconds to distribute evenly over all the components inside — if may help if you shake the buckle a bit.
- Press the "push" button and try to unjam the male connector.
- If it doesn't come out, try to apply a bit more pressure or add some more lubricant.
- Once the tongue is out, reconnect it with the female counterpart.
- Do this several times to ensure that the buckle is working properly.
The steps above will easily detach the two parts, but they will not take care of the root of the problem. Most likely, there is excess dirt inside the mechanism that needs cleaning. Otherwise, your seat belt buckle will get stuck again soon.
To clean it, follow the steps described above to pry the female connector open. Take a Q tip, soak it generously in rubbing alcohol, and carefully clean all components.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, now you know how to fix the seat belt buckle on your own! With luck, one of the tricks above worked for you, and you didn't have to buy a brand new buckle for your car. Unfortunately, the seat belt troubles don't necessarily end there. You can also experience issues with a seat belt that is stuck and won't budge no matter what. So make sure to check my article on that sneaky problem as well.
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How To Fix A Seatbelt That Won T Click
Source: https://carroar.com/seat-belt-buckle-repair/
Posted by: longdesiblesen.blogspot.com
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