Q: Seatbelt won't retract. Locked up all the way. No tension at all

asked by on August 08, 2017

Our Granddaughter clipped a retaining wall in a parking lot and the drivers side airbag deployed. There is no physical damage to the car. Took it to a mechanic to replace. At the time we took it there the seat belts were working fine. Decided to take it to another mechanic due to his price (over $1,000.00) which I found out was way too much. When I picked up the car the seatbelts, both drivers side and passanger side were locked up tight. I suspect the mechanic did something to lock them up. Is there an easy fix to unlock them? Thanks!

My car has 60000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

From the accident the seat belts would lock due to the impact and you will need to replace both the seat belt assemblies to repair the problem. This will include the retractors and buckle assembly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Service Engine Light is on
This indicator is part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system, and in all cases, it indicates a problem with your emissions system. Basically, it is an emissions monitoring system. A Check Engine indictor will stay solid or blink. If the...
Car turns but doesn't crank
There are many things that can cause a no start condition. If your timing belt broke, for example the engine on your vehicle is an interference engine, meaning it hits itself internally when the timing belt breaks. This usually bends...
My coolant is boiling out of my overflow tank.
This is most likely the result of a failing fan switch relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement) or a failed thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement). The thermostat is a component that regulates the flow of coolant through the motor based upon specific temperatures. When the engine reaches...
A few days after replacing serpentine belt the car will not move when in drive
This would suggest that you may have a charging system problem as well as the car potentially being in limp mode. When the car goes into limp mode this is a measure the car's computer takes in an effort to...
Serpintine belt might be out? Car isn't starting.
Although the serpentine belt does power multiple components on your Cadillac Seville, the electrical gauges are not part on that list to my knowledge. The alternator, which is typically driven by the serpentine belt does power those parts however. My...
Valve cover/gasket replaced car is now shuddering I shop liable
The labor to replace the valve cover gaskets should only be 3.0 hours. The list dealer list price for gaskets are only $50. It sounds like you were charged double of what you should of been charged. You most likely...
I got a alternator replaced on my car and now the Check Engine Light is on with the Battery Light. My headlights are still blinking.
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. This sounds like there is a loose ground or a wire was not hooked up to the alternator correctly. Check all of the wiring when that was removed when the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) and battery...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Few Few vehicles are as distinctive as the Chevrolet Avalanche. Part SUV, part truck, the Avalanche is actually surprisingly practical. On the inside, it feels more like a Chevy Tahoe, except when you look out your rearview mirror, you’ll notice...
2012 Toyota Tundra vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
Large work trucks are meant for one thing: work! These vehicles are rough and ready, and can handle nearly anything you throw at them, with the exception of a car pool. While they offer two or four door options, you...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Athletic Coach
If If you are an athletic coach, you need a used vehicle with tons of room to transport gear. Once in awhile, you may have to take a player or two along with you as well. What this means is...