90 SL seatbelts locked up

[STEANSON]

(everyone getting an idea about the condition of this car??)
both seatbelts have locked up, and the dealership claims I need 2 new seatbelts. Is there an inertia switch that is common (or separate) for each belt? What is the easiest way to disengage the belts?
--Stean

[MBenzNL]

Adjusting the backrest...I had a similar problem with my right seat and adjusted the backrest until I was able to unlock the seatbelt...it is functioning properly ever since.

greetingz,

[bobterry99]

There is a control cable from the buckle to the inertia reel. This cable is supposed to move in and out as the seatbelt is buckled and un-buckled. Its purpose is to lock the inertia wheel when the belt is buckled.

My seatbelt was jammed because the end of the control cable was binding within the belt buckle. A tiny rubber seal had become dislocated within the buckle. I discarded this rubber seal so that now the cable travels smoothly. The seatbelt is no longer jammed.

I have a problem with the belt folding over onto itself and binding up. I have to be careful when feeding the belt back into the slot upon exiting.

[STEANSON]

bobterry99:
how did you go about disassembling your buckle? That rubber seal...how did you remove it? I am [<--->]this close to buying 4 pt schroth harnesses for my 6 cyl mercedes! haha.
--S.

[bobterry99]

No need to disassemble buckle. Just pry out end of control cable. My rubber seal was dislocated and was easily removed with a screwdriver.

With the control cable out of the buckle, check that the cable end slides smoothly. You should find that with it extended you can now pull-out your seat belt. If not, then you will probably have to replace the entire seat belt.

Before pressing the control cable end back into the buckle, you must first latch the seat belt or insert a similar object and push in. This is necessary for a small pin inside the buckle to properly engage the control cable when it is re-inserted.



[Edited by bobterry99 on 06-21-2001 at 08:18 PM]

[STEANSON]

I have to tell you....I was confused about the location of the cable....but then I scroll down to your picture....thanks so much---your pics are invaluable--such a great help (invaluable? is that right?? you get the idea) I am about to run downstairs ( I am at work) and give it a go. Thanks again.

[STEANSON]

well, thanks a bunch...by adjusting the cable I freed up the belt....but something in the buckle broke and a spring shot out. It works just fine, but as for its safety integrity, I think I should replace it soon....