Hello:

My left front (drivers side) seat belt retractor has locked up and will not retract or deploy. I removed the cover panel and did not notice the belt snagging on the retractor. The retractor will not budge. Do I have to replace the retractor? If so, how is this done? Has anyone out there had experience with this problem?

Dan

Buy a used one at the JY.There is a wire that pretensions the belt when airbags deploy.Dis-connect battery ground when working on this system and don't turn switch on with wires disconnected.It is not difficult to replace,about an hour.

Bill

I could not find one at a junk yard. The part cost me $298 at the dealer (ouch!). It is after all --a Volvo! Thanks for your help.

Dan

I have had this issue with my parents 850, and many others are having this issue as well. The only way to fix it (properly) is to purchase (from Volvo) a new seat belt assembly. The downside is that the belt costs well over $300. I was able to remove the old belt, and install the new belt, in under thirty minutes. Make sure, if you do the work yourself, that you disconnect the negative battery cable. Have a splendid weekend one and all :)

Thanks for your help.

Dan

Don't get too discouraged Dan. It can be "fixed" BUT can it be trusted again? There is a pin that can be dislodged and keep the retractor from working. Putting the pin back in place may/or may not work for a time. This pin does double duty in case of a roll over.

In the mean time, try to feed as much into the rolled mechanism with the belt perfectly flat and try to pull on the belt with almost zero tension. It takes a light touch.

Klaus
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Just driving a 1998 V70R :)