Restraints - Seat Belt Retractor Won't Release
Information IB05-11-S001Avoiding Front Seat Belt Retractor
Jamming When Storing Seat Belt
Light Duty ASCENDER 2003 Information BODY 02/01/05
Light Duty ASCENDER 2004 Information BODY 02/01/05
Light Duty ASCENDER 2005 Information BODY 02/01/05
Avoiding Front Seat Belt Retractor Jamming When Storing Seat Belt
ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 2005
Affected Vehicles
2003-2005 Isuzu Ascender (US/UT) models.
Service Information
Some customers may comment that the left or right front seat belt may not release from the retractor when trying to put on the seat belt.
This condition generally does not require replacement of parts. This condition is the result of allowing the belt to enter the retractor at a high rate of speed. If the belt is allowed to go all the way back into the retractor very quickly~ it is possible that the force of the belt stopping suddenly against the seat back will vibrate the retractor. This vibration "fools" the retractor into thinking that the vehicle is changing velocity. The normal function of the retractor under this condition is to lock the belt.
The only way to completely eliminate the condition is to allow the belt to retract back all the way into the retractor slowly. Fast retraction occurs when the customer holds the latch while unbuckling and guides the webbing into the retractor quickly until it's fully stowed. As long as the customer guides the belt at a slower rate of speed, the retractor will work consistently without locking. Also, if the customer unbuckles the belt and lets the webbing retract on its own (without guiding it), there is generally enough friction from the belt against clothing to slow the belt down so it won't lock when it fully stows.
If the customer does allow the belt and latch plate to retract quickly, the retractor can easily be restored to normal operation. Pull the belt to create slack in the webbing and pay back some of the webbing into the retractor. Slack can also be created by pushing on the foam at the top of the seat back. After a maximum of 10 mm (0.39 in) of webbing is introduced into the retractor, it will unlock and function again. Please demonstrate this action to your customer. After an explanation and demonstration, most customers should be able to unlock the retractor without a problem. You may give a copy of this bulletin to your customer for further reference.
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