Broken seat belts? Get them fixed, FOR FREE!!!

General discussion forum about the 240sx, and a great place to introduce yourself to the board!
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IanS
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Overview:

Are the automatic seat belts in your Nissan acting up? Does the belt refuse to plug into the buckle? Does the belt stay in the driving position all the time? How would you like to fix all of those issues, at no out of pocket cost?

I know there are lots of you out there suffering from these problems. Some of you, like me, have just been dealing with it, you unplug both belts every time you get out, or maybe you just don't wear them at all. Or maybe you cant, because they wont buckle.

There is something you need to know. The factory seat belt system on your 1989-2002 Nissan vehicle is under factory warranty FOREVER!!!! Yah you heard me, it is under warranty. They will fix it, and they will do it for nothing as long as you have not tampered with the system. For 2003 and up Nissan vehicles, the warranty is valid for 10 years.

Difficulty:

Easy

Time:

2-3 weeks, depending on parts availability

Cost:

Free..... that's right, I said free.

Procedure:

Many have tried it, but most often, a call to the dealership will yield nothing, even going in wont work unless you press them. Nissan dealerships, like any other business, don't want to do things for free. It is to be expected, and you may need to do a little strong arming to help them see the light. Once they understand you mean business, everything should flow smoothly.

Still don't believe me? Here is an scan of the belt warranty information from an actual S13 240SX warranty booklet. (Thanks slyedog240sx)

Image

What does this mean in layman's terms? Every part of the seat belt system is covered for the useful life of the vehicle. If you are still driving the car, then they are under warranty. Notice there are a few things that they will not cover, but in essence the wording is very loose, and can be interpreted as such.

Here is how I went about things. This should give you any idea how make sure they take you seriously.

Start out by making sure you have not tampered with any part of the seatbelt system. Any modification to the system will most likely void the warranty.

My 1989 240SX S13 had a non functioning shoulder belt. It stayed in the driving position all the time, to get out of the car I had to unbuckle it. This was tiring, as 2 belts is more annoying than one. The seat belt light would also flash any time the key was in the ignition, regardless of what was plugged in or unplugged, but the warning beep never sounded. Also, my lap belt was often annoyingly difficult to buckle.

After spotting a thread here on Nico, I realized that all these problems should be covered by the warranty.

I took off to Kline Nissan in Maplewood, here in MN. I sat down and talked to a service writer named Mike. I made the rookie mistake though, I had not done my research. I asked Mike about the warranty and he told me it was only in effect for 10 years, another service writer agreed with him. I thanked him and left quietly.

With the information held in this article, you should not have the same problems as myself.

I planned to go back, though I wanted some weapons for round 2. I started digging. I found the actual wording from Nissan's warranty database. Concerning seat belts, it said this.
Nissan warranty information wrote:SB = Seat Belts - Useful life of the vehicle (for 1989–2002 vehicles), 10 years for 2003– up vehicles.
This is what pulls up when a Nissan service writer looks up the warranty in their computer system.

With that, I went in search of a little backup, just in case. I knew that if they refused again, my only chance was to place a call to the big bad boss, Nissan North America. When warranties are concerned dealers have discretion, but in the event of a disagreement, Nissan HQ has the final say. Nissan HQ is far less worried with spending a few dollars on a warranty, then it is with keeping customers happy. The number for Nissan North America's consumer affairs division is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261). I would suggest bringing this number with you. In case of any you has any problems with them, threatening to call that number should have swift results.

The second time I walked into the service department, I didn't waste any time. I sat down in front of Mike and told him what I had found. He listened quietly, typed a bit on his computer. Im sure he was looking at the Nissan warranty info, the same info I had.

Now that Mike and I were on the same page, I decided to leave it to be inspected. I was told that there could be a $140 fee if it was not covered. I sucked it up, signed the work order. I had been afraid they might pull this, but I knew if I didn't take the chance, I would never know for sure. This is a normal inspection fee, and you will only be charged this amount in the event that Nothing is covered. If you tampered with anything, this is where it could come back to bite you.

My gamble paid off, more so, then even I had hoped. My retracting motor was indeed bad, and would be covered by the warranty, but it gets better.

In 1995 a recall was initiated for many of the S13 models. Part of the plastic release button on the lap buckle can break. Shards of plastic can then fall into the buckle. These plastic shards can keep the belt from buckling, or they can cause it to unbuckle prematurely. The recall campaign had never been performed on my car. Along with the motor, they would also be replacing the buckles. Because everything was covered, either under the warranty, or the recall, the inspection was free of charge. Remember, they should only charge you for the inspection if nothing is covered.

They put in the order for all the parts, and I picked up my car. They promised to call when everything came in. Depending on the age of the car, I would allow at least 2-3 weeks for parts delivery.

2 weeks later the call came, the parts were in, and I could drop the car off when ever I pleased.

I would suggest leaving the car with them for the day, as a lot of interior needs to be removed, and you dont want to sit around all afternoon.

I arranged for a ride home.

When I arrived, I asked if the car would be finished that evening. The service writer looked at the schedule, and said he was not sure. I told him to call me by 5 with an update, that way I could arrange a car for work the next day.

5 pm rolled around, and the call came. There was a problem. They had installed all the parts, the seat belt light no longer flashed, but the shoulder belt still would not retract. They informed me that a new seat belt control module was needed. They had ordered the parts for overnight delivery, but the car would not be ready for at least two days. This was a situation I had not planned on.

I needed a car to get to work, but the service writer was ready for this. He informed me that I would be provided with a courtesy vehicle, free of charge. I was speechless

I had my wife drop me off at Nissan, and 15 minutes later I was driving away in a 2006 Mitsubishi Galant.

Image

I was incredibly impressed at this point. They were treating me like the owner of a brand new Nissan/Infiniti even though Im driving a 20 year old S chassis. Just another reason I love Nissan.

Two days later Mike called, they said the car was done. As I pull in to the parking lot I spotted her. Parked out front is my S13, though she looked nothing like I left her. When I dropped it off, it was very salty, I had neglected washing her for weeks. Now she sat sparkling clean, washed only hours before, not a water spot on her.

As I stepped through the door, Mike smiled at me. A work order with my key was laying on his desk. He turned it around, handed me a pen, and pointed at the bottom of the page. I signed the completed work order, thanked him generously, and switched the rental key for my own. 5 min later I was on my way home, car exactly how I left it, except clean, and with a working seat belt.

This is definitive proof, I had my seat belts warrantied, for absolutely no out of pocket costs. And you can too. With the information in this article, any of you should have no problem following in my footsteps.

Now for pictures.

How pretty my S13 looks after the wash. I almost forgot it could look this good. I kind of feel bad using it as a winter beater.

Image

Work order, page 1.

Image

Page 2

Image

The bottom corner, normally shows what you have to pay.

Image

Brand new shoulder buckle.

Image

Image

Brand new lap buckle.

Image

I even shot a video of the shoulder belt moving, its so fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_-ukVoGz3Y

I hope you guys find this useful. I really think this is something more people should know about.

Important information:

Nissan Consumer affairs phone No.

1-800-NISSAN1

Warranty coverage:

SB = Seat Belts - Useful life of the vehicle (for 1989–2002 vehicles), 10 years for 2003– up vehicles.

Recall Info:

Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYManufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Potential Number of Units Affected: 2730462

Manufactured from: 1986-08-01 to: 1991-07-01Recall Date: 1995-05-24
Last edited by IanS on Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.


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Otto.
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Yay! it works! :P

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gmac708
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That's how it is supposed to be!Good for you, good for Nissan, everybody win!

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boro drift
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Cool beans! Now, the next time my shoulder belt quits working, I can raise hell at the dealership.

I see they didn't do anything about the frayed up shoulder belt on your car. Sup with that?

Thanks for the info Ian.

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IanS
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boro drift wrote:Cool beans! Now, the next time my shoulder belt quits working, I can raise hell at the dealership.

I see they didn't do anything about the frayed up shoulder belt on your car. Sup with that?

Thanks for the info Ian.
I mentioned it during the first metting, but I did not push the subject. I wanted to get the important things out of the way, I let them replace as they saw fit. Once my S14 is back on the road, I think I may have another go at the frayed belt.

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placham
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FlatBlackIan what mods would disqualify people from having warranty service done to their vehicle. I mean my belts work like their supposed to. I don't need this service knock on wood.

But I'm concerned about if someone would need service. How could they turn you down if your aware of this info.

For example, you mentioned lights on dash. Well I got 180sx Kouki gauge cluster, it's wired in working fine all idiot lights work on it too. And my engine is not stock ether, unless RB were in some S13's . But the belts were never tampered or touched in my car. All that was removed was the trim that goes over the slide rail, when car was painted.

But other than that great info bro, glad to see you got your belts working. Now you'll have to get used to auto, instead of unbuckling it your self.

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placham
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Oh yeah, not to bust your ballz or whatever. But why do you have an odd ball driver seat. Rest of interior is just like mine same color. But the driver seat is like from older hatch or something.

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norcals13
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My lap belt comes undone randomly on its own but only sometimes. Do you think they will replace it? Other wise everything else works great.What do you think?

sommmatt
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So, Canadian manual seat belts rock.

sicj
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that's cool it got replaced but still, even perfectly working auto belts suck!

manual s14 belts FTW!

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MellowZ32
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Ian is sooo cool!!

hbpignosePA
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blast i was plannin on sellin my belts.... with this info, people wont be willing to pay for them

im goin w manual belts

waay cooler

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sebazztard
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nice man, you definatly got lucky. sounds like a great shop they are running. you would be lucky to get a proper repair in ny, let alone a car wash. thanks for the info. do you know if this covers a "chewed" up belt? i purchased my s13 coupe and the belt is all frayed and worn about halfway through...i already ordered a used part im just curious if thats also covered.

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ShereKhan
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awesome. ill be taking my to nissan next week now. hopefully ill get some new buckles to

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Clawhammer
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How did you all not know this? I didn't read through that but pretty much any safety thing like that is covered by the dealer for the life of the car.

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QuicksilverFX
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my driver side belt moves really slowly and my lap belt i have to sometimes press the button to get it to click in, do you think that would be covered? or do they have to be broken?

AutoShadow
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Nice write up, I'll have to take my S13 to the dealership when I get back home from college.

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hazukijitsu
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Are you the original owner? Did they say anything about the warranty being voided if you're not the original owner?

If my belts ever go out and the try to avoid the warranty im gonna say this. "Ok, you can refuse to fix my seat belts for a small cost on your part, or I can get hurt in an accident, and sue Nissan for a large cash settlement for refusing to fix my lifetime warranty seatbelts.

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omgjacki
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Original owner or not, those belts are covered for the entire life of the vehicle, not the owner.

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mattblancarte
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Had my auto-belts replaced on my 1990 Integra years back. Same deal with Honda/Acura.

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IanS
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placham wrote:FlatBlackIan what mods would disqualify people from having warranty service done to their vehicle. I mean my belts work like their supposed to. I don't need this service knock on wood.

But I'm concerned about if someone would need service. How could they turn you down if your aware of this info.

For example, you mentioned lights on dash. Well I got 180sx Kouki gauge cluster, it's wired in working fine all idiot lights work on it too. And my engine is not stock ether, unless RB were in some S13's . But the belts were never tampered or touched in my car. All that was removed was the trim that goes over the slide rail, when car was painted.

But other than that great info bro, glad to see you got your belts working. Now you'll have to get used to auto, instead of unbuckling it your self.
Im not sure, I think it would depend a lot on who was working on the car, if they even notice.

I have an intake on my S13 (stock plastic pipe broke) and they did not say anything about it.

As for having an RB, I wouldn't let any of those guys anywhere near that car, it only takes one to realize what they have, and joy rides would surely follow. You would be lucky to get the car back in once piece.

If I ever have to leave my S14 with anybody, I unplug the knock sensor so it goes into limp mode, then I remove the waste gate actuator rod so there is no boost. Though I have only left it somewhere once, to have the window tint removed.
placham wrote:Oh yeah, not to bust your ballz or whatever. But why do you have an odd ball driver seat. Rest of interior is just like mine same color. But the driver seat is like from older hatch or something.
The OE seat broke and would not stay up, it reclined by itself. The previous owner was lazy, and that was the first one he found. Its a winter beater, so I dont mind.
norcals13 wrote:My lap belt comes undone randomly on its own but only sometimes. Do you think they will replace it? Other wise everything else works great.What do you think?
That is actually one of the reasons for the recall, you most likely have bits of plastic inside the buckle. Bring it in.

ray P.M.
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so i'm guessing this won't work if you changed your s13 seats to s14 seats...?

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ShereKhan
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im going to nissan today in hope to get my seatbelts fixed. Wish me luck!

MN240SXDriv3r
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Awesome man, glad to hear those belts work again! They do move pretty fast too. I need to get another 240... *sigh*

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i240sx
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your belt just gain 50 horse...sweet

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Logan76
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FlatBlackIan wrote:If I ever have to leave my S14 with anybody, I unplug the knock sensor so it goes into limp mode, then I remove the waste gate actuator rod so there is no boost. Though I have only left it somewhere once, to have the window tint removed.
Your a smart man, I will remember this when I take my honda to my old employer for paint, they are a reputable dealership but I was worried about some of the punks they have as Techs joyriding. My good freind is the bodyshop manager, but it was still always in the back of my mind.

Taylor008
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Good info, thanks.

OT: I LOL'd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v..._page

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ShereKhan
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went to nissan today and they looked at me funny when i brought this up and they didnt know what to say. I started throwing out the info i remembered off the top of my head and he just grabbed my v.i.n and said he needs to call nissan and then he will call me tomorrow, so we'll see what ends up happening

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IanS
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Taylor008 wrote:Good info, thanks.

OT: I LOL'd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v..._page
Hahahaha.

Man were we bored that day.
ShereKhan wrote:went to nissan today and they looked at me funny when i brought this up and they didnt know what to say. I started throwing out the info i remembered off the top of my head and he just grabbed my v.i.n and said he needs to call nissan and then he will call me tomorrow, so we'll see what ends up happening
They are most likely calling consumer affairs. Nissan HQ should give them the go ahead to do it. If not, put in a call of your own to Nissan HQ.

Good luck.

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ShereKhan
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thanks ian i got called the other day and the guy was totally cool. said to bring it in when i can and they will check it out for parts to order and install. SIKED!


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