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Can't Click It
updated: Jan 13, 2013, 8:53 AM

The click-in part of my seat belt broke (where the red plastic thingy says press). Any ideas about fixing it aside from going to the dealership?

COMMENT 363002	2013-01-13 09:08 AM
Seat belts are expensive to replace since they have electronic sensors and components. When my dog chewed the fabric band of the belt, I had to replace the whole thing and it was about two hundred dolllars for parts. You can find the part on line but it needs to be installed professionally if you want a safe safety belt system. Bite the bullet and replace this potentially life saving seat belt properly. Don't scimp on safety. My 2 cents
COMMENT 363023	2013-01-13 10:16 AM
I had a seatbelt problem resulting in my passenger being locked into the seat, unable to "unclick" the belt. It was necessary to cut the belt to get her out. Upon taking the car to to the dealer, I was told that the seatbelts had a lifetime guarantee and was replaced for free. Replacement would have been around $250. May be worth a try to contact the dealer.
COMMENT 363056	2013-01-13 12:43 PM
That might very well be a warranty item; covered under a separate warranty for safety equipment.
COMMENT 363060	2013-01-13 01:08 PM
junk yard
COMMENT 363063	2013-01-13 01:33 PM
What make of car is it? How old is it? If it is fairly new (a few years old), I'd make the dealer replace it. Some dealers will replace seatbelts for free on even old cars once they become unsafe. As far as safety goes, I wouldn't worry too much about installing it, it's not difficult, and anything that you could potentially screw up to jeopardize your safety is self contained within the unit. If the car is older and/or the dealer doesn't offer to replace it or hoses you on the price, junkyard or ebay will undoubtedly have it. I'd say ebay would be your better bet, the junkyards here are probably not much cheaper than the dealership. Just be sure to get an OE part.
COMMENT 363071	2013-01-13 02:12 PM
Sounds like the op is only talking about the latch, not the spool and retractor ( belt portion ) eBay, or junkyard for that is probably fine. Although like someone else mentioned it could be covered as most manufactures cover belts for an extended period of time. Also, why cheap out on your safety though?
COMMENT 363077	2013-01-13 03:01 PM
Don't mess around with your safety to save a few bucks. Also, you're putting yourself at financial risk by doing it yourself. If your fix fails and someone is injured as a result of that failure, insurance may not pay the claim.
COMMENT 363082	2013-01-13 03:30 PM
Making a repair the cheapest way possible is the wrong priority. Why jeopardize the safety of anyone who uses that seat belt in the future? Take it to the dealer.
COMMENT 363098	2013-01-13 05:03 PM
I had a seatbelt latch fail. Under the impression that car safety equipment had a lifetime warranty, I called the dealer. I was told to get lost. So, one of us must have been wrong. Rather than fight, I went to a body shop who replaced the latch. So, if the dealership tells you to take a hike, call some body shops, they will either do seat belts, or know who does.
COMMENT 363103	2013-01-13 05:15 PM
Because it is a safety item seatbelts are very often covered under warranty,take it to the dealer and see what you can find out.
COMMENT 363119	2013-01-13 06:36 PM
I have an older Honda that my daughter drove and brought back without the seat belt clicking device working. Well, I went out with a flashlight and discovered a tic tac mint in the very bottom of the unit and got it out with tweezers and it worked again. Just warning parents of teenagers.
COMMENT 363127	2013-01-13 07:34 PM
Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to guarantee their safety devices (air bag, seat belt, etc...) for a minimum of 5 yrs/50,000 mi. Most manufacturers cover them for much longer, of course.
COMMENT 363155P	2013-01-13 10:06 PM
I had a problem with the seatbelt in my Honda. I took it to the dealership and they told me the seatbelt had a lifetime warranty and fixed it for free. Check to see if your car might have the same warranty.
COMMENT 363216	2013-01-14 08:58 AM
Honda offers lifetime warranty on seat belts. Toyota does not, you think they would though especially with all the problems they had in recent years.
COMMENT 363222	2013-01-14 09:10 AM
Thanks for this info! I cannot hear the 'click' in my seatbelt anymore although when I tug on it, it is secure. I know now what to expect when it comes to dig into my moth eaten pockets.
COMMENT 363244	2013-01-14 09:50 AM
There are a lot of sources online for seat belt parts that meet OEM specifications (and in many cases roll off of the same factory and just get put in a box with a generic brand name). Just be sure to use a reliable source (been around a long time, good better business bureau ratings, etc), and many dealers will do free replacment of units on cars too old to still be under warrenty. Do not rule out fixing the old part by vacuuming (or fishing with a stiff wire) out debris from inside. Last resort, junk yard. Do not buy from a car with serious collison damage (or any front end collision damage) and avoid parts from cars with excessive interior rust and dust - yes, that means you have to go there in person and help select your own part rather than letting a local yard order one from who-knows-where).
COMMENT 363267	2013-01-14 10:24 AM
When my 1990 Honda driver's seatbelt would not engage, I took it to the dealer in Goleta. The service guy found hair that settled in the clicker. I have waist length hair. I was not charged and was told that my Honda seatbelts would always be under warranty.
COMMENT 363382	2013-01-14 01:43 PM
As far as I know, most car manufacturers do warrantly the restraint system for life so it would be worth going to the dealership first! And if not for some reason, then spend the money to fix it right, it could save a life!