Seatbelt problem

[Paul Higg]

Today I get in the car, connect my driver's seatbelt and the inertia reel no longer works.

I have the FSM and will look into it today.

Does anyone have any experience with the seatbelt mechanism? Any particular advice ya'll can offer?

I can't believe it.

Paul

 

[redvett]

Today I get in the car, connect my driver's seatbelt and the inertia reel no longer works.

I have the FSM and will look into it today.

Does anyone have any experience with the seatbelt mechanism? Any particular advice ya'll can offer?

I can't believe it.

Paul

Did you by accident press the "cinch" button? This locks the retractor.

 

[Paul Higg]

That was the first thing I thought of. But that works on the forward part of the seat belt where it crosses your lap. I can hear it ratchet. I'm talking about the restraint belt that goes into the back part of the mechanism which crosses your torso.

It will not retract and is loose so if I got into a wreck it would not work. I thought I read something a long time ago that there was a Federal law that dealers had to fix seat belts for life but when I called a dealer he said no. Maybe it was a myth, I dunno. All I know is I now have to probably remove the seat and then the mechanism and fix it.

Thanks.

Paul

 

[kenmack]

Back in 94 or 95

I went to my dealer and he replaced both seat belt assemblies free of charge on my 87 roadster.That was in 94 or 95.
I think your dealer may be stringin you a line.
Get hold of GM or the local rep.
It was a safety issue obviously and I don't think they would cancel that recall.

 

[Paul Higg]

Outstanding! Thank you VERY much!

I am going to try to get ahold of the local GM rep.

Paul

 

[kenmack]

Checked records

Paul This wasa recall for faulty locks as I recall.
Checked my records it was July 1996
May not apply in your case Don't know??:confused
Good luck
P.S.seats are easy to remove 4 nuts each
seat belt bases and mounts need a large torx head,and probably at least a 1/2 " drive ratchet

 

[Paul Higg]

Thanks Ken. I at least have the tools and the FSM. But I still haven't had a chance to look in it. Do you have to remove the seat?

Paul

 

[G Winter]

I really would like to know if the belts mechanisms can be repaired. With my 90 it is a real trick to get the belt pulled out.It wants to lock before I get it all the way out.

Glenn

 

[Paul Higg]

I STILL haven't had the time to look in my FSM but I do not think it will be a problem. The lap belt works fine but it is the shoulder harness that is loose as all get out. It won't even retract into the seat belt mechanism. Just death waiting to happen! :bash

 

[tonylong]

Sometimes my belt's retractor gets slack too and doesn't want to get into good position. I pull it smartly out all the way and so far it's gotten it back working OK.

 

[Paul Higg]

I tried that several times Tony. First thing I did. But this thing is like a limp noodle! Also, when you pull it out it comes out freely like there is NO tension on it. It seems like something is broken inside it. I can do the work myself, just wonder how much it'll cost me in parts. Also, I wonder if I have to remove the power seat which will be a joy and a half! ad

 

[tonylong]

I don't believe you'll have to remove much. Taking out the seat cushion will give easier access to the retractor. The cushion is retained by a wire clip just beneath the leading edge of the cushion. The wire clip is shaped like this |_____| with the arms attached to the seat frame. The cushion has tongue-like extension shaped ______|
When you pull the clip slightly up and forward the seat is released. It just jams in at the rear part. If you're agile you can just get your head down there and see what I mean. I never re-fastened mine so I can easily life the cushions out and store things there away from other eyes.

Even if you need to remove the seat frame it's not too bad, 4 screws and just unplug the power connector. An easy one beer job. GM may have used some wacko-sized screw heads on the seat belt stuff to keep us from messing with it. A Factory Service Manual shows details and torque needs. I always suggest a FSM and both Haynes and Chilton manuals too. Between them all most jobs are a piece of cake, from 1 to 6 beers.

 

[Paul Higg]

Thanks, I have an FSM. Will look into it today. By the way, I love your analogy, X number of beers per job!

 

[tonylong]

Thanks, I have an FSM. Will look into it today. By the way, I love your analogy, X number of beers per job!

I stick with units of measure that have real-world meaning.

 

[Paul Higg]

otfl :L

 

[ZumZum]

Even if you need to remove the seat frame it's not too bad, 4 screws and just unplug the power connector. An easy one beer job. GM may have used some wacko-sized screw heads on the seat belt stuff to keep us from messing with it. A Factory Service Manual shows details and torque needs. I always suggest a FSM and both Haynes and Chilton manuals too. Between them all most jobs are a piece of cake, from 1 to 6 beers.

Why does it seem like every project I start on turns into at least a case?

 

[tonylong]

Why does it seem like every project I start on turns into at least a case?

Ahhh you must just love your work. I do.

 

[Paul Higg]

I got a call today from "Marv" at Chevrolet. He said, sorry Charlie. I have to fix it myself. Here's his pre-call e-mail:

Service Request: 71-691383650
Customer Relationship Specialist: Marv Henry


Dear Mr. Higginbotham,


Thank you for contacting the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. We appreciate you taking the time to write us in regard to your 1994 Chevrolet Corvette.


We sincerely apologize for the seat belt concern that you are experiencing with your vehicle. We understand this can be frustrating and would like the opportunity to assist you further in any possible way we can.


However, based on the nature of your concern, it would be better if we can continue our communication via telephone instead. Since you included your phone number in your e-mail, I will be contacting you today, January 02, 2009, between the hours of 8:00am to 10:00am Eastern Time. If for any reason I am unsuccessful in reaching you, do not hesitate to call me directly at 866-790-5700 extension 42700. I am available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 11:00am, Eastern Time. If my hours are inconvenient for you please feel free to contact the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020. Customer Relationship Specialists are available Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 09:00pm, Eastern Time. If you choose to continue to resolve the concerns through e-mail, simply reply to this message. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.


For more information regarding the maintenance and care of your vehicle, please visit GM Owner Center | Dashboard, Community, GM Services - Sign Up. This free online service offers vehicle and ownership-related information and tools tailored to your specific Chevrolet.


Again, thank you for contacting Chevrolet.


Sincerely,


The Chevrolet Consumer Support Team

 

[Z51JEFF]

There is a recall on the seat belts for this very reason and they should be replaced free of charge but parts are limited and from what I hear the only color out there is black.I have the recall notice somewhere.

 

[TedC]

Here is the one for the earlier C4s (1984-1991).
Chevy Customer Service can verify if you are impacted by this.
Recall 91058 is the left side and 91059 is the right side.
Dealership may say they can only access records from 1995 and newer.
That is access to all records, but this is an open safety recall and is still available.
Safety recalls do not have time limits.

Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Affected Year(s): 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
Units Affected: 10758
TC Recall #: 1991126
Manufacturer:
Campaign Code: 1D20/91058

Recall Details
NOTE: OWNER SELF INSPECTION - REPAIR ONLY IF PROBLEM OCCURS. THE SEAT BELT MAY LOCK-UP OR JAM IN THE RETRACTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WILL BE UNABLE TO USE THE SEAT BELT. THUS, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS WILL BE MORE AT RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND ANY RETRACTOR SIDE BELTS LOCKING UP OR JAMMED WILL BE REPLACED.