Seat Belts

[Stuart Hardy]

Hell Guys

I've been absent for some time whilst trying to complete my E-Type restoration, only finding time to drop in and out.

I have a problem with the C2 that you guys may be able to help with. My driver's seat belt is not retracting fully. Any hints?

Is this a DIY proposition or a job for a specialist.


Regards

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It is fairly easy to get to the seat belt mechanism by removing the rear side panel. I would take it out and give it a clean. If you do decide to DIY disconnect the battery if you disconnect the plug from the seat belt mechanism. The mechanism has the seat belt pretentioners, controlled by the airbag module, and you will get an airbag light if you disconnect with the battery connected.

 

[Stuart Hardy]

Hi,

Thanks Richard, I'll have a go this weekend.

Do I need to following any procedure before I disconnect the battery? Do I need to extract the radio code and if so how?

These modern new fangled motors are far too complicated. You know where you are with a set of points and a set of SU carburettors.

Regards

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

On a 2003, there are no user entry security codes for the radio. The codes are stored in the radio and DME, and match automatically when you switch on. Before disconnecting the battery, turn the ignition key to the first position (aux) and leave it there until you have finished. I used to think that you had to actually have the ignition on, but Robert L (bobsan) says you only have to have it in position 1.

 

[Stuart Hardy]

Hi Fellas

Finally got around to fixing the non retracting seat belt today and was amazed by what I found.

This trim clip (see photograph) was wedging the seat belt retractor and preventing the webbing from rolling back onto the drum. Simply picking it out of the mechanism seems to have been enough to effect a repair.

Unfortunately, I can't see where its come from. Looking at the side panel there doesn't appear to be any place for it. Can anybody suggest where it might belong? It doesn't appear to belong to the seat belt at all.

By the way, thanks for the advice Richard. Spot on as ever.

Another question. Can anybody explain why the car seems to be so much more responsive to the throttle than it did before I did this repair (during which the battery negative was disconnected)? Or is it my imagination? Had the car out for a 50 mile run yesterday (fridge shopping) and it seems so much sharper today than it did yesterday. Or could it be the Tesco Momentum petrol I used instead of the usual Shell V Power?

Regards

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Not sure what the clip is, but the reason for the change in responsiveness is because you disconnected the battery. This resets the adaption values in the DME, which are the modifications the system makes to the fuel map, based on the history of fuel quality and driving conditions, etc. disconnecting the battery resets the DME to factory settings.

On 996s with electronic throttle, adaption can be done without disconnecting the battery. Just switch on the ignition for 60 seconds without touching the throttle. Then switch off for more than 10 seconds. For it to work, the inlet air temperature must be above 10*C.