my 1990 Camry has automatic seat belts. The passenger side seat works perfectly, but as the driver side seat belt moves toward the windshield, it makes a horrible metal-on-metal scratching noise. Does anyone know what's happening/how to fix it? Thanks.

 

I don't know much about this belt system. The metal part the belt connects to may move on a track and be pushed and pulled by a cable connected to a motor.

The cable or metal part may now be rubbing or binding on the track or something else.

 

Go to a junkyard. These cars are everywhere at junkyards. Take off the interior panel and get a good feel for how the system works and how to disassemble everything. That way you don't break 19 year old clips that you were not aware of.

I haven't taken apart the belt system in my '90 camry yet but I'd imagine there is a pulley that is worn out and starting to get off track.

Escorts of this vintage used a plastic belt system that was prone to wear and snapping. I don't know if Toyota ponied up the extra money to make the cable out of metal or not.

 

Mine doesn't go back all the time. Sometimes to get it to go into place, I have to slam the door really hard. Anyone have an idea of what might cause this? I've checked the door pin switch but that's not the problem. Thanks.

 

Now it's not going back at all, EVER! The passenger side is back, but if I open that door, it will come forward and probably stay there forever like the driver's side. This is really a hassle!

Does anyone know if there is a "seatbelt relay" anywhere? I keep thinking there is one in the fuse panel area because I've been hearing an almost constant "clicking" noise that sounds just like a relay that isn't confused on if it should be opened or closed. Oddly, this annoying clicking almost always starts instantly when I go around corners, stop, or start. Like it senses movement. Bumps make it do that noise too. It sounds like something would sound if it were shorting out, (fast clicks) but I think it's some kind of relay and since the only thing in my car that isn't working right now are the seatbelts, I'm thinking there is a relay for them.

Anyone know? I have a Haynes and a Chilton and neither one really gets into specific relays.

Thanks, as usual.

 

I haven't torn into this, yet. Not a priority until I rebuild the engine.

This is a pain, but physically check the wiring coming off the motors. A loose wire or bad ground (both systems likely run to the same ground) could be causing your problem.

The motors themselves could be shot as well. You are right, in that there is probably a relay that controls these as well. I'd guess it is attached to each individual motor. Without shop manuals for these cars, I could not tell you for sure.

 

The switch for the seatbelt is in the door latch, not the pin switch for the lights.

So far I have replaced both latches and the drivers side track.

 

I was so tired of it not going back that I found out about the manual thumbwheel that allows you to put the belt in the back or front position by hand and I put mine back. It takes about 10 minutes of rotating the wheel because of the gearing inside it, but it is back all the time now. I just have to grab the belt from behind me and manually move it around to the front. Sure, it's a hassle, but at least I'm legal and safe because I'm belted in. The passenger side has not come back for about a month. It used to come back if I made a left turn (very strange) or hit a bump. Now it never goes back. I might have to move it back manually too.

I'm just waiting for my mom's house to sell so I can buy a newer car! I'm sick of fighting the seatbelts on this $500 car. I'm hoping to find a later model Camry to replace my 1990. I really have grown to like Camrys since I got this one. I like how loaded it is. And it rides super smooth on the freeway. I got better mpg in my 91 Taurus than this Camry but oh well, I can't have everything.

I was thinking about replacing the seatbelt motors but I really don't think that's the problem. Still might try it. I've run out of options.

 

Hope this helps someone...

 

Still on this lol. My driver side is stuck and makes a noise like it’s not catching and the motor is just spinning and spinning. Anybody ever find a diagram or something on these bad boys?

thanks!!