Hi all

 i'm just wondering if anyone else is having trouble with their seatbelts not coming out of their mechanism.

My drivers seatbelt does still eventually come out but the passenger one wouldnt come out enough to click in.

Weirdly this is the only trouble i've had with this car and I hope its only something I need to adjust rather than having to hunt down two seatbelts.

Thanks all.

 

Are the height adjustable in the monte ? if so lift it to full height and see how it is then ?

 

 

5 hours ago, UrbanPanzer said:

Are the height adjustable in the monte ? if so lift it to full height and see how it is then ?

 

 

They are height adjustable,Ill check them and report back.

I am assuming you mean they won't "Pull out" Of the mechanism enough, to go round the person sitting there, to then slot in to the retaining clip?

 

I have never had or heard of this as an issue specific to these cars but there are sometimes issues with the rolling mechanisms of some reel-inertia seatbelts. 

The design is so they roll when needed but lock if pulled too hard or fast (Obv's). The issue is they can be too sensitive. I am thinking this is your issue and not that there is only a finite amount of belt in the roll, whereby an (Ahem) Robust, larger person, with short legs, may find they need a seatbelt extension as the belt simply won't go around their midriff! 

 

If it is the pulling out/jamming issue, I know there used to be a method of re-alighning the mechanism that runs down the doorframe's pillar, effectively balancing it level so to speak, so as to help it roll out easier. This may be more difficult on newer cars, with more complex electronic aids, such as pre-tensioners, etc but I think the theory will be sound.

There may also be the additional issue of having had the belts pre-tensioners fire off, say in an accident or severe emergency stop.

 

The pre-tensioners retract the lower part of the belt that you click the buckle in to. This may make them a few inches shorter, causing difficulty in slotting in the buckle and will almost certainly be useless in a later accident so should be repaired/replaced as a matter of safety. I would think an MOT should have picked this up but cannot be sure as they may just apply the belt to see it rolls out and locks, whilst outside the vehicle so it will fit easier without a body being in the way!

 

I am unsure if there is any additional tech on the rolling side of the seatbelt equipment... This may also have retractors, to pull you in a little in an incident/collision scenario. Again, if it has and it has been fired off, it may need repair/replacement. These kind of things are often overlooked by careless repairers as it costs a lot (Comparatively)  To do! 

 

I have had my Fabia from new, since December, 2009 and as a driving instructor, have never had an issue with seatbelt/tensioners, despite doing many thousands of emergency stops, during lessons so would not suspect non-accident firing of the pre-tensioners, though!

 

I suspect the mechanism does need tweaking a little, to ease the pull, if you see what I mean. 

 

As for length of belt, there are a few "aids" That can be utilised o get extra length. Many sellers on Ebay will sell a short length of belt, with a buckle and clip at each end, in order to extend the belt for comfort. They cost around £10 a pair. I can't be sure of their effectiveness or legality/safety but I can't see them causing an issue, though. If needed, ask your insurance company if they will be a problem or be sure to remove them if any claim is made so as to be sure of no complaint from them. The first suggestion will be better!

 

This might even help you, short-term, if you cannot figure out how to adjust the rolling mechanism easily.

On 16/05/2020 at 11:13, mrgf said:

I am assuming you mean they won't "Pull out" Of the mechanism enough, to go round the person sitting there, to then slot in to the retaining clip?

 

I have never had or heard of this as an issue specific to these cars but there are sometimes issues with the rolling mechanisms of some reel-inertia seatbelts. 

The design is so they roll when needed but lock if pulled too hard or fast (Obv's). The issue is they can be too sensitive. I am thinking this is your issue and not that there is only a finite amount of belt in the roll, whereby an (Ahem) Robust, larger person, with short legs, may find they need a seatbelt extension as the belt simply won't go around their midriff! 

 

If it is the pulling out/jamming issue, I know there used to be a method of re-alighning the mechanism that runs down the doorframe's pillar, effectively balancing it level so to speak, so as to help it roll out easier. This may be more difficult on newer cars, with more complex electronic aids, such as pre-tensioners, etc but I think the theory will be sound.

There may also be the additional issue of having had the belts pre-tensioners fire off, say in an accident or severe emergency stop.

 

The pre-tensioners retract the lower part of the belt that you click the buckle in to. This may make them a few inches shorter, causing difficulty in slotting in the buckle and will almost certainly be useless in a later accident so should be repaired/replaced as a matter of safety. I would think an MOT should have picked this up but cannot be sure as they may just apply the belt to see it rolls out and locks, whilst outside the vehicle so it will fit easier without a body being in the way!

 

I am unsure if there is any additional tech on the rolling side of the seatbelt equipment... This may also have retractors, to pull you in a little in an incident/collision scenario. Again, if it has and it has been fired off, it may need repair/replacement. These kind of things are often overlooked by careless repairers as it costs a lot (Comparatively)  To do! 

 

I have had my Fabia from new, since December, 2009 and as a driving instructor, have never had an issue with seatbelt/tensioners, despite doing many thousands of emergency stops, during lessons so would not suspect non-accident firing of the pre-tensioners, though!

 

I suspect the mechanism does need tweaking a little, to ease the pull, if you see what I mean. 

 

As for length of belt, there are a few "aids" That can be utilised o get extra length. Many sellers on Ebay will sell a short length of belt, with a buckle and clip at each end, in order to extend the belt for comfort. They cost around £10 a pair. I can't be sure of their effectiveness or legality/safety but I can't see them causing an issue, though. If needed, ask your insurance company if they will be a problem or be sure to remove them if any claim is made so as to be sure of no complaint from them. The first suggestion will be better!

 

This might even help you, short-term, if you cannot figure out how to adjust the rolling mechanism easily.

Thanks for the in depth reply.

I have sort of remedied the issue by messing with the height adjustment of the seatbelt. While this seems to have completely fixed the drivers side it still hasn't completely remedied the passengers side (although it is able to be buckled in and out). I suspect that it is moreso due to a lack of use rather than damage or wear. If they start to seize up again I'll take all off and have a look. I'm starting to think this was an issue prior to me owning it as when it was bought,both front seatbelts came with a clip that would stop the belt winding back into the assembly. Either way I'll keep an eye on things thanks again.

On 14/05/2020 at 22:18, UrbanPanzer said:

Are the height adjustable in the monte ? if so lift it to full height and see how it is then ?

 

 

I did and it seems to have worked. The drivers side is fine but the passengers side is still a bit stiff,( I suspect it is due to lack of use). 

Thanks again.

Hot weather dry's the seatbelt mech out, Every hot spell or summer I need to WD40 my drivers side lower mech. Ideally I would use grease of some sort but the WD40 holds out for a good while.

12 hours ago, Mickmartin said:

Hot weather dry's the seatbelt mech out, Every hot spell or summer I need to WD40 my drivers side lower mech. Ideally I would use grease of some sort but the WD40 holds out for a good while.

Might try greasing the lower part as its still a bit stiff.