Stuck seat belt retractor

[lanerd]

On our 2013 Phaeton 42LH, the passenger seat's seat belt was difficult to extend far enough to latch and then once out, it wouldn't retract...in fact it now won't go in or out.

I've never opened up one of these things, but I'm sure there is some sort of ratchet device plus a coil spring. Will it explode on me if I take off the cover?

thanks

Ron

[lanerd]

I'll give it a shot. thanks

Ron

[bucky]

I've fixed many by removing the belt from the vehicle, and turning upside down while pulling the belt in and out. You would be amazed what comes out of those things. The latch works by a spring/inertia loaded lever that can get gummed up or blocked by debris. It's worth trying, and it might save a trip back for warranty service.

[memgrove]

Sounds like there is some construction debris in the pendulum that is keeping it from going "home" where it keeps the belt free to move. You can pull the cover off and not harm anything. You will probably be able to see how they work if you searched on youtube a little bit. They are not that difficult after you see how it works.