The 3rd row passenger side seat belt won't retract into the side panel.
It appears it's been pulled out too far and is jammed.

How do I remove the side panel?
Should I be able to get it to retract or will I need to replace it?


Thanks for any help!

 

Sometimes if you give it a few yanks you can get the gear to release, some pics HowStuffWorks "How Seatbelts Work".

 

I tried that - it doesn't budge, I've tried using a flash-light and looking for a "release" lever but don't see any. I'm hoping I can pull the panel and manually trigger it to retract/unjam.

thanks!

 

I have to replace my 3rd row belts (dog ate them). I haven't looked yet, but I believe there are two (maybe more) screws at the bottom of the side panel you have to undo, and it hinges on tabs out from the top.

 

You have to remove both pillar trim panels and a few other panels, there are two tabs on the bottom. Other than that it's just held by clips, mostly along the window. Just give it a pull to pop it out, easy to figure out once you get started.

 

thanks for the info, I'll give it a try one night when I have a few minutes.

 

Exactly as you described, along with the door step sill strips for the side and rear doors too. I found I had to remove the 2nd row seat belt attachment bolt to get the top pillar trim panel loose enough to yank out the bottom panel. The bottom "screws" were a real pain hidden under the carpet.

I'll have to order a new belt retractor I couldn't get it to spool up.

Thanks SO much for the great info.