I recently got my tib back on the road from a bad accident that blew the airbags and locked the front seat belts. The backs still work so I'm figuring it's some mechanism behind the panel. Anyone ever have to unlock the seat belts or taken them out and noticed any locking mechanism? If not I could provide a DIY after I figure it out if you guys want.

 

You must have impacted pretty darn hard. My guess would be that the metal binded inside. Let us know how you did it afterwards. WE LOVE DIYs!!!!

 

That is the pre-tensioner system. It should have let go after impact. Otherwise you will probably have to replace them.

They are designed to pull tighter inside. But also designed to let go.

 

Ummm... you are not going to be able to unlock them, the pretensioners have blown via pyrotechnics and they must be replaced. It's a safety feature that's part of the SRS system. The SRS system is a one-time-use only system. After an accident all components have to be replaced. I'm very surprised your body shop did not know this. It's pretty common. So they should have replaced the air bags, the air bag control module and the front pretensioners (there are none in the rear).

 

thinks for the tips guys. I'll look for replacements and whenever I get them I'll take pics and keep details to post. Not sure when I'll get to this one as I'm worried more about the face lift she's got to undergo.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CobaltBlue01 @ Oct 25 2007, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Ummm... you are not going to be able to unlock them, the pretensioners have blown via pyrotechnics and they must be replaced. It's a safety feature that's part of the SRS system. The SRS system is a one-time-use only system. After an accident all components have to be replaced. I'm very surprised your body shop did not know this. It's pretty common. So they should have replaced the air bags, the air bag control module and the front pretensioners (there are none in the rear).</div>

pyrotechnics? Really?

 

^^^

Yup, any time we have to replace a seatbelt pretensioner or airbag here in the shop (side airbags mostly, which are in the front seatbacks) we have to detonate the old ones before we can dispose of them because you can't throw explosives in the dumpster fing02.gif The techs love it to do it. I think it satifies their urge to tear shit up. LOL

 

^^^
I love the way you talk girl.

LOL

 

Thats my favorite part of being in a shop is blowing shit up!

 

Lol. you might be able to get this replaced for free. I believe the seat belt retractors were recalled and will be replaced.