Just bought a '99 ETC, and theshoulderbelts don't have the tension I'd expect. They retract fine, but if you tug on them they don't lock, no matter how sudden the pull.

This is my first Eldorado. Can anyone tell me if this is typical of the last generation models, or if the tensioners have a tendency to wear out after 8-10 years?

Thanks,

charlie

 

I got a 95 and mine are like that too.

 

Any idea if that's normal? Or are the belts played out and need to be replaced?

 

Most modern seat belts have interia locking mechanism. In the proper place at 25-30mph panic stop car seat belts should lock

 

Got that, slowroll, thanks.

But here's how the manual describes seat belt adjustment.

"Your car has a shoulder belt tightness adjustment

feature. If the shoulder belt seems too tight, adjust it

before you begin to drive.

1. Sit well back in the seat.

2. Start pulling the shoulder belt out.

3. Just before it reaches the end, give it a quick pull.

4. Let the belt go back all the way. You should hear a

slight clicking sound. If you don’t, the adjustment

feature won’t set, and you’ll have to start again.

5. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean

forward slightly, then sit back. If you’ve added more

than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt

out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough, pull out the

shoulder belt, or open your door, the belt will become

tight again. If this happens, you can reset it."

This makes it sound like there should be active tension beyond about one inch of slack. My belts pull forward withot locking, whether pulled smoothly or sharply. The belts on my wife's 2006 Scion, on any other modern car I can remeber riding in the last several years, lock when you adjust them and often need to be readjusted for slight play.

Can anyone describe the feel of their belts on a '99+ Eldo? Am I just high and worrying about nothing, or do these need to be replaced?

Thanks.