Well the search function tells me everyone has issues with these belts not retracting. My problem is that my drivers side shoulder belt is fully retracted and will not pull out. I havent mounted it in the car yet, but I do know it has to be at a certain angle to release.

 

You have to have it on an angel,put it on the floor, flat(black cover up)put your foot on it and pull up.It won't open just holding it in your hands.

 

I did as suggested and it did not release. I compared it to the passenger side that does release at the correct angle, and noticed the rear cross bar is cocked funny inside. I will snap some photos tomorrow.

 

Pop off the black cover and lift up on the gear stop,see if that releases it!!!

 

I will take a look tomorrow, but that piece you mention may be the piece that is sitting crooked. You can see where it should sit in the sides, but it is twisted. I will post pics. Thanks all for the answers! Love this place!

 

Did you see the pic on the other thread??

 

My Friends 3rd Gen Did That, I Checked It Out & Found 2 Quarters Stuck In It.

 

Well I am a flaming idiot. It was the passenger side belt all along, and it was indeed stuck OUT not IN as it appeared. I removed the top black cover and realized there was no more belt to pull out! Removed the side cover and lifted the spring as described in the countless Seat belt stuck OUT threads, and retracted the belt. Then, realigned the spring on the side in its groove and it all works perfectly! It appears the side cover helps push the side spring against the spinning wheel, so if anyone finds this in the future, make sure the side cover is back on, before pulling the belt out, or it will get stuck again. I wonder if these side pieces are wearing causing the side spring to not stay in its groove? Anyways mine are working perfectly! I am so happy!

 

Glad to here you got it fixed,thanks for the heads up.