2007 Tundra seat belt failure

randomwalk101 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 08:49 AM

I searched and didn't see anything so honestly, I am hoping this is an isolated incidence.

My 07 5.7L Tundra has about 4,xxx miles on it...This morning, I started driving it out of the parking lot, probably 3 - 5 miles/hr or so, reached over to pull the seat belt, I guess I'm pulling it a little too fast, it stopped (which it supposed to do), but then it stuck there and won't release...so I'm driving home without a seat belt. I tried EVERYTHING...turning car off, gently let it retract & gently pull the seat belt out etc...nothing works. Being the only car, I guess I'll have to live like this a few more days until my off days to get it into the dealer.

All other sides works like normal...this is so frustrating when a safety part of the car is taking a dump.

Anyways, anyone knows if Toyota of Irving (texas) is a good place to take the truck in?

Sixteen Quad · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:09 AM

The mechanical lock on the seatbelt is designed to activate if the seat belt is jerked too hard. Since it is simply a spring and ball it doesn't know the difference in a collision and someone in a hurry to put their belt on. It is designed to release if tension is removed from the belt. However sometimes it get jerked too hard and becomes jammed. I have not seen it happen on a Tundra but have seen it on occasion or other vehicles. The dealer will probably have to replace the seat belt. I have seen people take them apart and try to free the check ball, but I don't like playing with safety items.

RONE · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Personally I would not be driving around without a seat belt. I'd call the dealer, tell them what happened, and tell them they need to bring a loaner car to you until they fix the seat belt. What if you happen to get in a wreck in the next few days before they fix it? It would sure suck to die over something like a stuck seat belt.

cwit · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 02:57 PM

Or like in a lot of states you get a ticket for no belt.

randomwalk101 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:59 PM

Okay you won't believe what happened. The car fixed itself!

I took the truck to work today (only mode of transportation so I have no choice). Went in, started up the car, reach over to put on seat belt (I'm programmed to do this automatically without thinking), then started backing the truck out...then my brain cells woke up...DUHHH, the seat belt is on. Apparently, somehow, overnight the seatbelt fixed itself and now it releases/retracts like normal. I even tested it by giving it a quick jerk...it stopped and released like normal. So I guess it is working now..

What worries me is why it froze up yesterday. I wouldn't have worried too much if it's a radio or something but seat belt, a major safety equipment..I want to get the dealer to checked it out but again, there isn't much to check out since it is working like it should. Even if I bring it in to the dealer, I am sure they'll say it's fine and send me on my way.
Also, isn't seatbelt carries a lifetime warranty or something (by Federal reg) as opposed to 3 years/36K miles with other stuffs?

Nailbiter · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 08:52 PM

You're not the only one. I've had this happen once also. I didnt drive without it though, I just kept snapping it until it finally retracted. Probably took me a full minute (which seems like an eternity)of messing around with it.
Hopefully it doesnt become a regular thing.

bretsuaz · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:09 PM

I posted about this problem a while ago. Nailbiter is the only other one I know of that has had this problem. Mine has done it twice.

randomwalk101 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 11:22 PM

Yeah, weird..but my suspicion is that if you drive the car slowly (seat belt unbuckled) and pull your seat belt while stepping on the brake, something malfunction & lock up the seatbelt? I mean it supposed to lock up but should letgo afterwards...which it doesn't let go until a long time??

PrezeS_PL · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 02:03 AM

First time the seatbelt didn't roll back for me, was a day after I got the truck ( 60 miles) , I left the belt on the seat and when I got back the belt was rolled back and work fine for the week (900 miles). Yesterday it failed to roll back again, when I shut the door closed I heard some noise inside , opened the door and the belt was rolled back. If it happens again I will go to the service to get it replaced.