fix a stuck seatbelt?

[ladya3]

Hi, my rear middle seatbelt has got itself stuck all the way in. No amount of tugging will release it and you can barely get your hand behind the belt to do this anyway. I think it happened when I had the rear seats down for some time and then when I put them back up the belt wouldn't pull out. It's gradually worked its way tighter back inwards. Spoke to a grage the other day, they said they would probably have to replace the whole belt (this was without even looking at the problem btw) and that'll cost me over £100!!

Any help much appreciated as I don't really want to be paying out £100's for it

[rd1]

Unfortunately, this happens frequently to our A3 and the only way out is to put the seat down, get in the boot area with a socket and undo the bottom seat belt holding bolt that can just be seen under the boot carpet flap. ( keep an eye on the fixing and where the washer goes) Put the seat up and and pull out the belt until loose then redo the bolt.

I keep the middle belt connected at all times as the problem is that when you put the seat down it takes up the slack in the belt then stretches it taught when you put the seat up and it will then not release. Its not too difficult just a bit fiddly in the boot
I keep looking to see if there is anything that can connect onto the belt to act as a brake to prevent it taking up the slack but not found anything as yet.
Hope you manage and save a garage visit.
Rob

[ladya3]

That's brilliant!! Thanks so much Rob will give it a go this weekend and will post back if it's worked.

[ladya3]

Oh, do I undo the bolt completely and remove it or just loosen it enough?

[rd1]

Afraid you have to undo and remove it so that you can lift it up to release the tension on the belt.
Rob

[ladya3]

Ok, thanks. Just wanted to be sure

[ladya3]

Perfect Rob!! Removed the bolt and it freed up the belt straight away so happy! Thanks so much!!

[rd1]

Pleasure, glad to help, don't forget to connect the belt when you put the seat down which will give you the play needed when you put it back up.
Rob

[Marissathome]

Hi Rob,
I have a 2007 VW EOS and the two searbelts in the backseat wjll not click. Any advice on how to fix?

Thanks,
Marissa

[graham55]

Hi Rob,

I see you were able to help out with a jammed seatbelt on the rear of an A3. I have the same problem with an A4 Avant (59 plate). I just tried to follow your instructions, but no bolt is visible from the boot, just a plastic strip on the side, which I have opened, but there is nothing obvious to see. I would be most grateful if you can offer a solution, as the garage I went to today, suggested buying a new seat belt as the option - waiting to get the price tomorrow, which no doubt will be large! I hope to hear from you soon, Graham