Chrysler Repair: seat belt timer module 99 sebring, buzzer system, timer module

Question
the seat belts are locked - the dealer (after computer diagnostic $100) says it MAY be something called a seat belt timing module located in the console of the 99 sebring convertible. $307.00 to find out if this is the case.  Other dealers have never heard of this or can not even find the part number or how it would be installed.  If the timing module doesn't work, they say it may cost an additinal  $1200. to take the seats apart (upholstery etc) to find the problem wire ? Does this make sense ?  Have you any ideas ? Thanks

Answer
Hi Judy,
I am sorry to say I don't understand what it means when you say the seat belts are locked. I suspect that you have some sort of an automatic restraint system that goes beyond the normal belts that are manually operated. I don't have any experience with these nor do I have any Chrysler manuals that show me the system. I do show that there is a timer system regarding the warning light/buzzer system that is mediated thru the body computer, in my '95 Sebring shop manual, but nothing about the seats belts being locked.
It sounds very fishy to me that the dealer is talking in terms of hundreds or a thosand dollars to fix a crash safety system. My inclination would be to ask the dealer for the name of the regional factory service representative of the Chrysler corporation so that you can inquire of him what is going on with such a situation where dealers do not even agree on what are the basic parts of this safety system and how to repair them. If you can't get that information about the location of the regional representative then you should call the corporate headquarters in Detroit and ask to speak to the department that handles passenger safety malfunctions such as a failed passenger restraint system because you can't get a straight answer as to what is way to get this repaired. Also inquire if there is a Technical Service Bulletin issued to the dealership network with regard to a failure of the passenger retraint system for your car and also whether there have been any factory recalls for maufacturer-paid repairs of the system at no cost to the owner.
If that doesn't lead to any remediation, then you should call the Federal Gov't National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington DC and file a complaint about the system and inquire if there is a file/recall campaign about this system. Telling Chrysler headquarters that you intend to do this may also get them to respond to your concern. I suspect that there may be some liability that they would like to avoid by taking care of the problem at no cost to you. The restraint systems may have an extended warranty because of their life safety aspects.
I would be interested to learn what happens in your campaign. Don't give this dealer any more money!
Roland