Coupe Seat Belt Feeder Headache

[remotemark]

I'm frustrated. I spent my lunch break in the parking garage at work taking apart the back seats of my CE. I tracked down two used and one new control modules for the seat belt extenders. I worked on the driver's side today. With my existing set up, the extender comes out but never goes back in unless you shut off the car. I tried all of my replacement modules, but with each one of those, the extender did not even come out. Makes no sense. They all have the right/same part number. I did notice one thing that was different which shouldn't mean anything: the original modules are Bosch made in Germany. The others are all made in France. Otherwise, not a single obvious difference. Just doesn't make any sense. If the motor is broken, then you'd think for at least one of three replacement modules it would at least come out and not go back like the original. Instead, not a sound, doesn't budge.

Am I missing something?

[mbdoc]

Maybe the problem in in the extender & not the control unit.
Possibly the micro-switch is the problem.

[RBYCC]

Mark

If it retracts when you shut the car off, then you can assume all mechanical parts are functioning.

Look at the logic, and start with the door switches.

Door switch may be sticking?

Ed

P.S.

Part numbers have changed over the years, some even bear the "140" prefix...

[remotemark]

I removed the extender assembly and found the little switches nearly hidden by the motor and the gears. I used a small screwdriver and jiggled the switches a bit to make sure they still moved. I reinstalled the extender and, voila, the driver's side now works. Hopefully, that "fix" will take when I get the covering panel back on.

Now for the passenger side.

[Ferdman]

I own two 300CE's and instead of fussing with the seatbelt presenters and loose trim pieces I simply removed the fuse from that circuit. Only downside is the passenger side outside mirror adjustment motor is on the same circuit. To grab the seatbelt with the presenter disabled reach back with your hand just above the door sill. It's much easier without the seatbelt presenters, especially for a passenger unfamiliar with them.

[remotemark]

I agree to some extent. I've been driving the car with the presenters completely disabled (disconnected the relays) for a long time. But I'm in the process of redoing the interior, back of the compartment first, so figured why not give it a whirl. If it comes down to it, I'll just leave them unplugged and leave all the fuses in place.

[TheDon]

I like my seatbelt extenders. I think they are a pretty cool feature. I just hope they never die. However, the drivers side unit was replaced I think 5 years ago.. very very expensive