Automatic seat belt problems
 

Hi everybody, I have noticed in the past few days that when the car is cold, my automatic seatbelts dont function. As soon as the car warms up they work fine. Only seems to happen when its fairly cold out (less than 10 or so). Anyone else have this problem or ideas on how to fix it? Thanks.

Re: Automatic seat belt problems
 

Sounds like the lube is getting a little stiff and gumming up the sensor. That's my guess. You might try cleaning the tracks with some WD 40 and then, hitting it with an application of WD 40 after the tracks are cleaned. I noticed that mine didn't operate when I got out of the car to come in from work this evening and the car was warm. I'll clean the track and sensor tomorrow morning.

My driver's side occasionally doesn't work for no apparent reason. Very random, at any time of year. It always fails in the "back" position, which is a good thing I guess. Generally it stays stuck for two or three times of opening the door, turnig the ignition on and off. Then it magically works again. I think I'll take the cleaning advice, sounds good.


This brings up a question I was considering posting here recently. The big question would be has anyone ever converted their 92 or 93 automatic seat belts to the manuel belts. But I'm 99% sure that answer is no. So the next would be, for those that have seen both types of SVX seat belts, what different parts would such a conversion require, could it be done easily, etc. I'm assuming Subaru tried to get away with as little new parts as possible when they changed it for 94. Like the 97 grille fitting right into all other years, no additional parts needed. OK, probably not THAT easy, but you know what I mean. Without ever seeing a 94+ in person, at first glance I am thinking new interior door trim piece to replace the old one and the track assembly. And the one piece seatbelt. Maybe a few extra guides to hold it in place? Anyone one out there with a newer SVX have complaints about how the manuel belt is set up? Like having to reach back too far to get it, or it gets in the way, etc?

I've never been a big fan of automatic seat belts. When they first came out it was a big "Ohhhhhh Ahhhhhhh" high tech gagetry thing. It's kinda nice to have it gently place the shoulder belt over you, but you still have to reach down and fasten the lap belt and half the time people that aren't used to them forget to do that, in which case they just as well not be wearing one. Probably why they stopped making them on all cars by the mid 90's. So we're left with a questionable safety product that makes an obnoxious noise and no longer impresses anybody as being "futuristic" just annoying. And outdated, one of the few giveaways that our still currently styled SVXes are actually ten years old. Not to mention it is just one more mechanical thing to gum up and break on our ever aging cars.

<Monday rant mode off>

Hope I'm not offending, those that know me know I love the SVX. Just wondering if anyone had looked into this further than I had.

Ahem, I love my automatic seat belts. That is, of course, until my windows are a little iced over and I have to open the door to look out. :D Ever heard of Marie Antoinette? :D:D

I have not had this problem with my SVX but on my Loyale wagon.Drivers side would not work every once in a while.I checked out the track and it was fine. I ended up taking the end cap of the drive motor off and cleaning the brushes and the armature with electrical cleaner. Put it back together and have not had a problem since. The brushes were pretty worn. I am going to look for another set at the salvage yard just in case it starts acting up again. The drive set up is most likely the same type on our SVX's. Hope this info might help fix your problem.:)

I am having problems with mine now.

Let them eat cake! :D

when it has been wet for a long time my seatbelts won't open up unless I put the key into the on position. I just figured that this was the computer thingy dieing. It's been like this two years.

I had to have my key in the on position before it would work before, but after the battery went dead, it has not worked right after that. :(

You can eat cake while doing that??