I push a button on the latch to release the seat belt & the button is supposed to pop back up. Well now it just stays down. Don't know if the spring broke or if it's just stuck. I was thinking of using air to clean it out. Or maybe some lube? Any ideas?
2001 Ford Ranger

__________________
-- 2001 Ford Ranger
super cab 2D, 4L, XLT, automatic

if compressed air doesn't fix it...replace the buckle

__________________
2021 F150 5.0 Screw

Past:18 F150 2.7, 16 F150 5.0, 14 F150 5.0, 07 F150 5.4, 03 Ranger 4.0

Master Certified Ford Parts / Warranty Admin

Thanks to everyone for your help.* Here's what I found.* I compared the broken driver's side (D) seat belt latch with the passenger's side (P), all WITHOUT the tab on the actual belt in the latch.* On the P side, when I push the button, it goes down about 1/4".* On the D side, I can push it down about 1/8", then there's some resistance.* But with a tiny bit more pressure, I can push it down the whole 1/4".* When I release my finger, it's supposed to pop back up.* But it just popped up 1/8".* If I tap the latch, then it pops all the way up.

I cleaned it with air, added Tri-flo, let it sit, tapped it a bit.* Pushed the button all the way down, tapped it to get it back up.* Repeat 100 times.* Added more Tri-flo and a bunch more push/tap to get up.* Used air to clean it out.* Wiped outside to clean off lube.**

The fact that it pops up when I tap it seems to say the spring is not broken.* Don't know what the small resistance is when pushing down.* Might be what's preventing it from popping up.* The whole thing is plastic so maybe after so many years it's a bit out of alignment.* At least now I can reliably insert & remove the belt (without worrying I'll get my body stuck; that would be an embarrassing call).

Now I know I have to push the button a bit harder to unlatch & tap it to get it to pop up.* While standing to the side, I latched it then yanked it as hard as I could to make sure it was secure.* I can't get a much force as an accident, but there was no indication that it was loose.

__________________
-- 2001 Ford Ranger
super cab 2D, 4L, XLT, automatic