Topic: Seatbelt problem

[davidy]

Recently, I have noticed that the driver's side seat belt doesn't always work properly. It doesn't lock in place sometimes....so I have keep moving it until it clicks in place. After looking the seat belt receiver, the button is not as springy as the passenger side's seat belt. It looks like it's worn out and needs replacement. Anyone know if this is a straight forward replacement? Is it just a matter of locating one at a local auto parts recycler (ie. wrecker) that is as springy as the passenger side?

Dave

[articsteve]

Year and model?

[davidy]

1996 Mazda B3000 pickup.

Dave

[articsteve]

So the part that you are describing is not part of the belt that retracts.  Rather it is on the fixed or right hand side of the driver.

It must come apart.  I would check with a Mazda dealer and tell the parts guy your problem and get him to bring up the parts diagram on his parts computer and it might be a pretty cheap part that you can replace yourself.  Once you get a look at the assembly via a diagram you will get a clue as to how the "receiver" comes a part.

You could get a used one and try and install the whole strap assembly to the floor but it might be corroded right to the floor and will be a pia to remove.

So I'd check out a dealer to investigate what parts are available for the "receiver" first.  Besides, Mazda may have an unlimited time and mileage warranty on seat belts.

[barrie1]

Steve is correct as check with your local Mazda Dealer for the small spring that goes into the buckle. These are not that hard to replace and will solve the problem. 

[davidy]

No Mazda dealer nearby, the closest one is 6-6.5 hours away by car.

I have booked an appointment with a local mechanic. I need to have the auto transmission fluid flushed too.

Dave

[articsteve]

No Mazda dealer nearby, the closest one is 6-6.5 hours away by car. I need to have the auto transmission fluid flushed too.

Dave

Dave, where the heck are you?

You will still need the part.  Search Mazda and find a dealer with an 800 number and ask if the seat belts are covered under an extended warranty and explain your situation and the parts guy might know from experience what is needed.  Save your mechanic time screwing around.

[davidy]

There was a communication screw up with the local mechanic. They were looking the wrong end of the seatbelt. 

Looked at the TSB's for the 1996 B3000 and 1997 Ford Ranger.....no mention of my problem.

Checked for the female end of the seatbelt around the local wreckers...all the wrecked Rangers and B-series were missing this part....guess that this part is very popular and needs to be replaced often. There are one or two more wreckers to contact. If not found, I will take a photo of the part in question and take it to the big city on my next visit.

Dave

[03_ap1]

Isn't there some warrantee rule on safety belts and airbags?  some sort of unlimited or at least super extended warrantee on those types of items?

[jamie1]

My dealership [chrysler] always covers a seat belt under warrenty. Year and km's not an issue. Never had the DSM kick back a claim.

[articsteve]

I already told him to ask Mazda by phone about their seatbelt warranty because this vehicle is less than 10 years old.  Still took it to his mechanic with no success. 

[davidy]

I already told him to ask Mazda by phone about their seatbelt warranty because this vehicle is less than 10 years old.  Still took it to his mechanic with no success. 

Even if Mazda covers the seatbelt with a warranty (edit: safety restraints were covered for 60 months or 80,000 km for the 1996 B-series....both of which have been exceeded) , I am not going to drive 6 plus hours out of town to get one of their dealers to fix it. My previous mechanic did do warranty repairs for Mazda, but he got out of his shop several months ago and began working for Canadian Tire.

Anyways, I am going to try a local Ford dealer to see if they can fix the problem...since my B-series truck is basically a restyled Ranger. But I will have to wait until the lockout is resolved. Too many strikes or lockouts in BC right now. Telus, CBC and now a local Ford dealer....a local GM dealer appears next.

Dave

- added warranty coverage as noted in the Mazda Canada website

[articsteve]

Didn't mean to irritate you Dave   I knew you were 6 hours from a Mazda dealer.  Just trying to save you money.  I would still phone a Mazda dealer who has a 800 number in BC and explain the problem and your location.  I'm still thinking that they might just mail you out the piece because I find it hard to believe that seat belts aren't covered longer.

I think Transport Canada has a rule on seat belts that supercedes manufactures stated warranties.  Last year the SRS system failed on a 95 Saab and Saab (GM Oshawa) replaced the computer no questions asked and it had 220,000 km on it.

[barrie1]

I agree with Steve on this as you may just get luckey from the deaership. Let your fingers do the walking. To me that was pretty decent of GM to replace a part that had that many klm's on it as well. Glad they did for your pockets sake.