1990 240sx: Power seatbelt computer/control module clicking/not working

[homeslicej2]

I tried searching buy came up with nothing. When I bought the car the power seat belts didn't work. I assumed the motors went out. Well, as I was waiting on the tow truck the other day (SOHC got a bad case of rod knock), I could see into the console where the plug by the cigarette lighter is missing. When I looked in, I saw two plug harnesses, one of them (the driver's side one) was unplugged. I reached in by taking out the ashtray and managed to plug the harness in, the seatbelts started working, but the drivers side skips when it goes towards the A-pillar, and a loud clicking noise comes from the seatbelt control module. When the belt retracts back to the B-pillar, it works and slides just fine. I was wondering, does this mean that the module under the console is bad, or is it the seatbelt motor, both? Here are some pics of the harness. I am trying to upload a video of the problem, but photobucket is being a pain.



I will put the video up as soon as I can.

[180fan]

probably needs some greasing along the track for the seat belt.

[homeslicej2]

No. Wait until you hear it. It sounds like something is wrong w/the seatbelt controller. It is what clicks. I found my problem w/photobucket. I was trying to upload a video that was past the limit. So I took a new one and it uploaded fine. The driver's side is the only one that is messed up. The passenger's belt works fine both ways, but it only works if both harnesses are plugged in. Both harnesses have to be plugged up for either belt motor to come on. If you notice too in the video, after the lock slides to it's final position in the A-pillar, the controller under the console keeps clicking for ~10-15 seconds. So is this just a bad controller? If so, will any S13 one work. I can get one from a 1992 240sx, mine's a 1990.

Here's the link to the vid:

http://s175.photobucket.com/al...9.flv

Thanks for any help.

[homeslicej2]

I now have the vid up, please help .


Modified by homeslicej2 at 12:00 PM 3/21/2007

[homeslicej2]

Bump.

[froggy]

Well that is weird.... I agree it isn't a question of being something physical (like greasing the track) because it engages quickly and fine. It's programmatic for sure. Unfortunately, I can't tell you if your proposed replacement will work.

Totally off-topic here, but what's supposed to go in that slot next to the cigarette lighter? Mine's missing too.

[homeslicej2]

Well depends on your trim level. If you have power options, locks/windows, etc. I think it's where the power mirror switches go. I don't have power options so I think it's just a blank piece that is supposed to be there. http://www.courtesynissan.com has a piece to go there just check under parts and service. I just haven't bought one yet.

[homeslicej2]

bump for help and 1000th post.

[themandan40]

Well I cant offer much help but...my d/s seatbelt does something similar just not as severe as yours. Also when my car is off the seatbelts wont move to the forward position to allow the driver or passenger to get out. I called the a Nissan dealer/service and they said it could likely be covered under a lifetime warranty on the seatbelts. I am going tomorrow afternoon to have it diagnosed (also free) I will post results

[themandan40]

Okay well unfortunately we I dont have much to offer. I went to the nissan dealer and they DO honor the lifetime warranty on a car with a clean title. I do not have a clean title. They will replace the track and motors and whatnot. If it is an electrical problem they probably won't fix it saying that it is shorted by something you did. Unless you ask real nice. They will also replace frayed and damaged seatbelts. This was all told to my by an authorized nissan tech at the local dealer here in Vancouver,WAI would take your car in and have them look for it...they should diagnose it for free as well

[homeslicej2]

thanks man. I had stopped looking at this thread (now bringing it back from thread death). I tried asking the local nissan dealership about the replacement of belts/motors and they tried to tell me I have to call a corporate office, blah, blah. In other words, they don't want to pay to fix it. So, I'll try some other dealers and see what I can come up with./thread

[boriquaS13]

Very interesting problem you got there! Do you know if your car was ever in an acciden of had the driverside door replaced? I had a vehicle in the shop with a simular problem although it was a ford it is simular. I found that the door was replaced and when they painted the driverside door they painted over where the door bolts to the hinges and created a bad ground when the door was open its supposed to ground through the hinges now when the door was closed it created a good ground through the latch assembly. Hope this helps you out.

[homeslicej2]

hmm...not the paint on the door and the inside of the door and the door jamb all match up. If this ever happened though it had to have been a long time ago bc the inside of the driver's door is just as nasty as the passenger's. I'm going to hound local Nissan dealerships to replace it.