Remove seat base , this explains .
Firstly, the seat belt retraction mechanism for the rear middle seat will lock when the seat is = > 3% off centre, so it won't release until the seat is firmly back and clipped into possition, as pointed out by the other guy with the wood chips, even a rear seat cover can prevent it from a firm connection which will cause the belt to jam. Don't bother taking it to the dealership as they will give you the best option for them... not for you $$$$$.
It's an easy thing to fix providing you have the right tool, that being a T50 torx socket. use the torx socket to remove the bolt securing the base plate that the bottom end of the seat belt is attached to. It's located on the floor pan behind the rear seat (the lower rear seat is secured by 2 clips).
Once the base plate is removed you should be able to clip the (back rest) seat firmly into position, check that there are no obstructions and ensure the seat is really firmly secured. Once this is done the counter weight will free itself allowing you to pull the seat belt out and reattach the base plate.
Further, this has been addressed on later models, they put a small plastic stud in the seat belt to prevent it from fully retracting, try putting a strong saftey pin in the belt to stop it going all the way in again and good luck!!
Posted Sep 28, 2010 (14 years ago)