i have a 2000 focus. front end crash. air bag deployed and replaced. LF seat belt in locked position. mechanic says it can't be released or fixed....must be replaced?

can somebody explain the technical side of this seat belt safety system to me and the exact fix procedure

i read somewhere that a scan tool is necessary to reset system.....i don't think my mechanic is aware of this

LF seat belt in locked position. mechanic says it can't be released or fixed....must be replaced?

i read somewhere that a scan tool is necessary to reset system.....i don't think my mechanic is aware of this

The fix for the seat belt is to replace it. I screwed up one of mine messing with it. Tried to take it apart and fix it, found I needed some new parts. Those parts are not available so I ended up replacing the belt. Found out later that dealers, etc. are not allowed by law to repair seat belts.

IIRC, Reseting the air bag system cannot be done with a generic scan tool. It requires the computer system at a dealership.

I do a lot of rebuild able focus's and in a front end crash that deploys the bags they also have a device in the retractable part of the seat belt that deploys to lock the seat belt so you do not go out the windshield. The only way to fix it is to replace it.

You should be able to use a good unit from a salvage vehicle.

First, check the belt itself for any evidence of stretching or fabric deterioration.

Second, check the locking mechanism. While the shoulder belt is retracted fully, give it a swift, hard pull. It should lock immediately, then release when you release your tension. If it doesn't lock, or it's locked and won't release (like yours), it's bad.

Posted via FF Mobile Yup, has to be replaced with a new and safe one. If you could just replace any old thing, the potential for failure would be huge. Ypud have people throwing on old ratty seat belts and not installing them properly. And you wouldnt know it was installed properly until you got in an accident.