Hi,

 

Skoda Octavia, 2006.

The front passenger seatbelt has retracted fine, but now won't release. It's been fine upto now, no issues.

I left it for a while, tried gently moving it, trying to feed some seatbelt in but there's not much movement as its retracted, but nothing. Even left it overnight incase it may get cold and help it somehow.

 

I've managed to remove the trim around the seatbelt down to the 'reel' and there's no loops, twists or jams.

In one forum it mentions "pre tensioner, inertia lock" but I've no idea how to release the mechanism in order to free up the seatbelt.

 

It looks a special tool and torque wrench are required if I want to remove the 'reel' and replace it. I'd obviously much prefer a method to release it instead.

 

Anyone had the same problem?

Thank you.

Steve

Edited 15 October, 201411 yr by tom_bez

If you can see the reel and its workings you should be able to see how it works and lever it free or smack it with a hammer!

I have just spoken with a Skoda specialist about the same problem that I have just experienced.  His first reaction was replacement as these are now complex mechanisms with pre-tensioners and are connected to the airbag system.  The advice of the previous poster is therefore potentially dangerous.  However, they are going to see if it is possible to (very carefully) free it.  I will report back.