QuestionI have a 2002 sentra GXE. And when I purchased the car the front seatbelts were locked. The rear ones work fine. Is there a way to fix this without having to purchase new seatbelts? I have restored the rest of the car myself, And this is the last thing I need before I can drive it. Any info would be nice. Thanks
AnswerHere's what I have on this Nikki,
First, try disconnecting the battery. If this doesn't reset them them will need to be replaced:
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON-VEHICLE CHECK
Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) and Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
NOTE: All seat belt retractors are of the Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) the retractor will lock and prevent the belt from extending any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractors except the driver's seat belt also have an Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode. The ALR mode (also called child restraint mode) is used when installing child seats. The ALR mode is activated when the seat belt is fully extended. When the belt is then retracted partially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat belt in a specific position so the belt cannot be extended any further. To cancel the ALR mode, allow the seat belt to fully wind back into the retractor.
Check the seat belt retractors using the following test(s) to determine if a retractor assembly is operating properly.
ELR Function Stationary Check
Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent the belt from extending further.
ALR Function Stationary Check
Pull out entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
Retract the belt partially. A clicking noise should be heard as the belt retracts indicating that the retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode.
Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out of the retractor. The belt must lock and not extend any further. If NG, replace the retractor assembly.
Allow the entire length of the belt to retract to cancel the automatic locking mode.
ELR Function Moving Check
WARNING: Perform the following test in a safe, open area clear of other vehicles and obstructions (for example, a large, empty parking lot). Road surface must be paved and dry. DO NOT perform the following test on wet or gravel roads or on public streets and highways. This could result in an accident and serious personal injury. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock.
Fasten driver's seat belt. Buckle a passenger into the seat for the belt that is to be tested.
Proceed to the designated safe area.
Drive the vehicle at approximately 16 km/h (10 MPH) . Notify any passengers of a pending sudden stop and the driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event the retractor does not lock, apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop. During stop, seat belts should lock and not be extended. If the seat belt retractor assembly does not lock, perform the retractor off-vehicle check.
AFTER A COLLISION
WARNING: Inspect all seat belt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware after any collision.
NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury in an accident. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Front seat belt pre-tensioner should be replaced even if the seat belts are not in use during a frontal collision in which the air bags are deployed.
Replace any seat belt assembly (including anchor bolts) if:
The seat belt was in use at the time of a collision (except for minor collisions if the belts, retractors and buckles show no damage and continue to operate properly).
The seat belt was damaged in an accident. (i.e. torn webbing, bent retractor or guide, etc.)
The seat belt attaching point was damaged in an accident. Inspect the seat belt attaching area for damage or distortion and repair as necessary before installing a new seat belt assembly.
Anchor bolts are deformed or worn out.
The front seat belt pre-tensioner should be replaced even if the seat belts are not in use during the collision in which the air bags are deployed.
