Driver Seat Belt Buckle Damaged

[oceanchem]

Hi all,

I drive a 1996 L400 Exceed. Today the driver side seat belt buckle (female) stopped functioning as there seems to be something wrong with the spring mechanism inside. I have removed the plastic cover that limits access to the bolt assembly and after removing the bolt have the buckle dangling by the sensor wire that allows the dash to know when the male buckle engages. The back of the female buckle has a strange fastener that holds the plastic panel covering the internal workings of the buckle in place...how does one remove these fasteners? I have not seen them before.

I don't even know if I am able to open the buckle if I can fix it. I could move a buckle from a rear seat in the short term but do not know how to break the sensor connection. Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers,

Jay

[mararmeisto]

Someone told me once you can't open them because then you can't break them.

They are repair-by-replacement items, essentially. Probably because it's safety gear.

[oceanchem]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for this. I guess there is method in the madness...looks like I'll have to replace.

Cheers,

Jay

[jessef]

echo Paul's comment

Malahat wrecking may have some. Take ride on the humpback (I miss that road).

[DelicaMark]

I called the Malahat guys early this week and he said that they did have a L400 in the yard. So chances are they will have one. Or call Glen and Graham in Coombs, you will have one at your door by Monday...Tuesday at the latest.

[oceanchem]

Thanks for the help everyone. Cheers, Jay

[oceanchem]

Just got off the phone with Coombs. Problem solved. Thanks, Jay