Oh dear... Seatbelt Return non-functional :(

[makeshiftUK]

Here we go, the nuances of Italian cars!

I was swapping out my daughter's Recaro car seat for another just this morning, and I found that the seatbelt did not 'return'. It would extend, but not return beyond a certain point. (Rear N/S passenger seat)

What I did was gently extend it to the maximum point (not forcing it) to the point where the ratchet starts clicking, and now it won't return at all. I've tried pulling the seatbelt from different angles in case it's gotten caught, but I fear she's got to go back in now.

Any ideas?

 

[CatmanV2]

I imagine the little weight has got gunged up and is not returning. Often you can take them apart and clean them. Sometimes a gentle tap (beware if there are pretenstioners!)

C

 

[makeshiftUK]

Thanks Catman, although getting to the seatbelt mechanism itself is the next challenge...



Looking at the above, my guess is the mechanism is accessed via the boot. This is the view from the boot:



Seems like a fair few panels have to come off to gain access.

Do the little round black trim fasteners 'pop' out when encouraged with a flat head screwdriver?

 

[jw38]

I wouldn't use a flathead screwdriver. You should be able to find something like this at a local shop. This is on Amazon (US):

Auto trim removal tool kit

 

[HowardM]

I think you'll need to get the rear shelf out. Have a look here for a good how-to:

2009 QP Seat removal? need help?

www.maseratilife.com

Scroll down to post #10.

 

[Gazcw]

Thanks Catman, although getting to the seatbelt mechanism itself is the next challenge...

View attachment 57459

Looking at the above, my guess is the mechanism is accessed via the boot. This is the view from the boot:

View attachment 57460View attachment 57461

Seems like a fair few panels have to come off to gain access.

Do the little round black trim fasteners 'pop' out when encouraged with a flat head screwdriver?

They do lever out easily. The domed ones are screw covers. Behind that is a metal cover which has the petrol tank behind. Before you start I would check with one of our sponsors first. You could be creating a lot more work and get knowhere. I had to change my rear shelf and trying to remember if they are underneath. I just cannot at the moment.

 

[Gazcw]

Looking at some pictures of the rear shelf. I think it is too shallow to house the belts underneath.

 

[makeshiftUK]

Thanks for all the thoughts and input.

For the time being, I've moved the car seat to the other side (and hope that doesn't mess up that seatbelt) - rather than create more work for myself I'll get this looked at with Autofficina, unless there's a definitive 'how to' on the net somewhere although I can't seem to find one.

 

[Scaf]

That’s sound like a pain - I wonder if a drive over and uneven road / rumble strips might vibrate something and set it free - got to be worth a go and an excuse to go for a drive.
Hope you get sorted

 

[makeshiftUK]

Update: new seatbelt mechanism required, and whilst I had this put on order by Autofficina middle of last week there's no ETA (they order from the main dealer network). Apparently these parts are normally created in batches subject to demand.

I guess I'm kind of stuffed unless anyone else can recommend where I might find a complete seatbelt mechanism in the right colour?

 

[CatmanV2]

Soprano stu?

C

 

[Zep]

I believe David Askew has a QPV in at the moment - not sure if it is a breaker though.

 

[Zep]

Also - you might want to talk to this lot. I have no experience with them but they seem to say they can repair any seatbelt mech.

Seat Belt Repairs – Universal Seatbelts

www.universalseatbelts.co.uk