I have an issue with my n/s rear seat belt. It doesn't retract all the way, it will go back if manipulated by hand, all other seat belts operate as designed. There anything I need to check? There's no obvious obstructions and when used it operates correctly. Is this a new seat belt job?

It might just be dirty.  Hold it fully out using some sort of clip or clamp and give it a wipe with a damp cloth and a bit of soap.  Once it's dry, it should be better, but you can also lubricate it with a bit of furniture polish as well.  (Not boot polish or anything with colour in it).

If it still doesn't work after that, then you can consider a replacement belt reel.

try rolling it all the way out and letting it retract quickly a couple of times, see if that cures it

8 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

try rolling it all the way out and letting it retract quickly a couple of times, see if that cures it

That worked for me, I have done that on a Sierra.  A few sharp tugs appear to work too.

If you do not use a seat belt, they will stick.  What I do now with the rears, is have them plugged in, then change the left to right etc occasionally.

9 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

It might just be dirty. ..

Worked for me...

 

Has the rear seats had child seats fitted ? With the child seat in place for several years with the belt completely drawn out it actually weakens the retraction mechanism, causing the belt/s to not go all the way back in, only solution is going to a scrap-yard and checking replacement belts and change them, mine has gone way worse than that, caused by child seats which has been in for over 13 years now.

Can you see the little rectangle slot in the cream side cover ? Stick the seat belt anchor in the slot, that will also take up some of the slack.

On 6/20/2023 at 10:33 AM, Ian Lanc said:

Has the rear seats had child seats fitted ?

Nope never had a car seat fitted, probably through lack of use. If the cleaning it using the video posted by StephenFord dosnt work, I'm looking for a replacement, if needed looking on eBay if I can't find one locally.

19 hours ago, King683 said:

 if needed looking on eBay if I can't find one locally.

This is where you've got to be careful here! Just how do you know the replacement belts will be no different as to what's in your car now, personally the slack in my belts doesn't bother me, they retract well with an adult sat in the back, leaning forwards & backwards, the belt follows the upper body, plus I asked our local MOTer about them and he has no problem with them, they work as they should.