jimmers

How exactly do our seat belts function? Should they lock up when you pull them out quickly, or do they only lock up in the event of an accident?
I ask this because my seat belts aren't very tight when I'm in the car. I even tried to pull it out very quickly to simulate and accident, but it never locks. It's the same for both driver and passenger belts. Defective belts?

antfarmer2

Mine move easy unlike my truck you can't evan reach for something. try hitting the cinch button if you want to be locked in.

jimmers

The cinch button only locks the belt around your waist. If you pull your belt out quickly does the shoulder strap lock? I guess I'm just worried the belts won't function in an accident.

antfarmer2

I have pulled it out fast still did not lock I sure hope it will work in a accident but not going to test it.

crowz

To test it slam on the brakes. It should lock.

jimmers

Thanks for clearing that up. So I guess it works with momentum? Looks like I'll test it on the way home after work!

92ragtop

That's how they are intended to work (in pretty much any car). There is an inertia cam in the mechanism that causes the belt to lock upon sudden deceleration.

Pa'svette

FYI there is a factory recall on 1991 seat belts. It may extend to other years also. Don't know if you can get any color or not.
Pa

jimmers

Well I slammed on the brakes last night hoping they would lock, but nothing. Looks like I need a new set. Find it weird that both are doing the same thing though. Thanks for the help everyone!

jimmers

In our other cars they lock if you pull them out quickly. I figured it would be the same with my 90'.

antfarmer2

Check ebay saw a few sets there cheap. yours might be good but better safe than sorry

crowz

Before ditching them try taking the covers off and see if they are gummed up. Years of carpet dust and other gunk can bind up the slide.

crowz

Simplified example of how it works.

crowz

Here we go. Another member on this forum has all the info you need posted.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-lock-up.html

jimmers

Thanks for the link! I'll take mine apart and see whats going on. Hopefully its an easy fix.

crowz

Hopefully it will be