Driver Seat Belt not returning fully. X100

[alsjaguar]

My driver seatbelt isn't returning fully under its own spring pressure and has to be eased back for the last few inches,can it be tensioned up and how do you gain access to it by removing the side trim? If it needs a new belt and tensioner in Teal where would I go for one of these. thankyou

[Lucky]

Try cleaning the belt first. Pull it right out and stop it rewinding with a bag clip or similar. Then place the belt in a bowl of soapy water and use a cloth to clean the whole belt on both sides. Then remove as much water as you can with a dry cloth and leave it to dry completely. You can then lubricate the belt with a silicone or PTFE spray.

[Astromorg]

The problem could be as simple as a twist or a kink in the belt. Have you tried pulling the belt out to its maximum reach and feeding it carefully back in? That usually works in this sort of situation.

A new belt might be difficult to find anywhere, but used ones (preferably one not used in a high speed accident) are available from breakers such as

https://www.autoreservejaguar.com/

Model year is important to quote as the early and later ones are not interchangeable. Also Coupe or Convertible.
Teal might also be rare, but a phone call to Autoreserve would get you an immediate answer. They're currently advertising a Teal driver's buckle so perhaps they've got a reel too somewhere if it turns out you need one.

[alsjaguar]

Thank you for both those answers I will try cleaning it first,and take it from there. If I need to remove it I still need to know what needs taking off to gain access to the belt reel .
Its a 1996 early Coupe BRG with a Teal interior.

[mike020150]

If cleaning the belt and removing any twists does not work, it would be safest to have the belt retraction mechanism refurbished by a company specialising in the task. There are several which advertise online. Removing the seat belt involves removal of the back seat (both halves) so that the side trim can be released and the fixing bolts accessed. Jaguar no longer lists Teal coloured belts and that colour is relatively rare so refurbishment would appear to be an viable option to explore. Mike.

[alsjaguar]

Thanks Mike I will get on with the job when it gets a little colder.

[alsjaguar]

Well I cleaned the belt as suggested by Lucky and dried it thoroughly,Bought some concentrated silicon spray from an upholstery company who use it when assembling foams etc into furniture £3.50 plus postage.. Perfect thank you for the tip it really works.