Intermittent Seat Belt

[billb]

I have an intermittent problem with the shoulder strap retractor. Sometimes when I open the driver's door, the shoulder harness stays retracted. It is a kind of a pain to get out. It acts up about 50% of the time.

I looked at the wiring diagrams and I'm guessing that the problem is with the door open/close switch. Does anyone know where this switch is? Or, does anyone have another idea on what is wrong.
Thanks for any help,
Bill

[nextse7en]

Check your rear limit switch....

Is your seatbelt light blinking when this happens? if so, look up the error code and that should give you an idea. But my guess is the limit switch... Heres a diagram to help.



The item circled in red is your limit switch... Mine did this for a while too.

Patrick.

[billb]

I don't get any error light when this happens. It just stays retracted. Sometimes after about a 5 second delay, it will move forward. I'll check that limit switch.
Thanks.

[Earthworm]

It's just sticky. Mine will do that sometimes. When it does I just push the latch mechanism away from me (toward the window) and it releases.

[svxsubaru1]

Yeah mine does this to, is there any way to make it less sticky for it?

[Earthworm]

Some people have tried cleaning/lubing the release mechanism. I've done nothing so far myself. It seems to be worse the colder it gets outside.

Mine used to do what you guys are describing. Simple problem: There is a seatbelt motor wich pushes a wound twisted metal cable. As this gets used and used over the years it tends to twist too much which without getting into a lot of detail twists another plastic part which is what causes your problems. I fixed mine, basically all you got to do is rip out the seatbelt motor and grab the cable with some pliers and twist the oposite way. Mine has been fixed for over a year now. Kinda a PITA. Might be easier just to buy another motor but it works.