Oblivion

Hello.

The belt has always refused to pull itself back. I've always had to manually feed it back in. It accepts it without a problem though.

I am under the impression that the problem is being caused by a massive amount of friction on the far top metal bar (whatever it's called).
I've yet to sand it down, or lubricate it (if that's even possible, to allow the belt to slide over it easier).

Here are pictures of the actual belt mechanism:
- 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 - Seat belt mechanism - Imgur

The alternative (which is what I was originally going to do) was to tighten the spring, so the mechanism pulls the belt like it should (REAL tight, not just the beginning)!

Any suggestions on how to fix this problem? Thanks in advance.

Bert

I wouldn't take a chane on making it unsafe. Check here for what a used one would run. Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

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Bert

djzx3

Agreed^, That protects you from getting hurt. don't risk it.

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2000 focus wagon 2.0l DOHC Zetec
04 Subaru WRX,:)



How-to directory.

Ford focus DTC codes.

Ford= First on race day.

Oblivion

It performs it's function perfectly fine! It isn't unsafe by any means.

It just doesn't retract like it is supposed to. It does not recoil fully.
It's as if it's a worn out coil, or spring, or something else.. That just needs to be tightened (readjusted).

I'm not sure what/how/where/when or why.

R.S.LOGAN

Had that problem years ago on a Focus and couldn't remember what the simple reason was . On checking , found this . Might apply to your car ? I used to have a link with pics showing the pin , but seem to have lost it . Check any dirt / crap on guides for belt also .


Seat belt problem

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So whe I get out of my car the seat belt doesn't retract very well at all, the problem has been getting worse in the last year or so, and it's really getting to me (closing the seat belt latch in the door a few time will do it to you). Has anyone else had this problem, and how do I fix it?

Answer .
The B pillar trim piece is not installed correctly. Did you remove it at one point? Take it off and you will note a pin sticking out of it. This pins needs to be aligned in the retractor.

and

Also, what you REALLY need to watch out for... is you HAVE to line up the plastic trim piece the belt goes through just perfect into the little hole on the mechanism (the part that allows you to adjust the height it sits on the shoulder) or the belt wont retract at all. I figured that out the hard way when I took the trim off to remove my rear door panel. I thought the belt itself was messed up, and it was under warranty, so I took it to a dealer, they got me a new belt... but the only thing wrong was that I didnt align it back up right. Once you get the trim off, you will see what Im talking about. At least, this is how it is in my ZX3, not sure about the sedan/ZX5/wagon.
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^^^^^Yeah it's the same. A little pin on the outer trim piece that aligns with a hole in the upper belt adjuster mechanism. It's easy to do, but you might not notice it.

From Focus Forum


Worth a look ?

Oblivion

That is a slightly different problem, than I am experiencing. That problem is saying that the belt doesn't retract at ALL!

Mine retracts, which is great, but only to a certain point. It's as if it isn't recoiling enough, or at least, long enough. It stops when there are a few inches left.
It still tries to coil the belt up, but it is so weak, you have to feed it yourself.