2005 S-Type
I've been working on replacing my headliner and run into a snag. I've been able to get the interior disassembled, the headliner out, fabric replaced and headliner back in. I'm working on putting the interior back together now and I've hit a snag. Both figuratively and literally. I'm stuck at the rear center seat belt. I had to unbolt it when I took the rear panel off. I guess I didnt have to take the retractor off when I pulled the panel shelf, but I did. Now it is retracted about as much as can be and I can't get it to come back out. I've tried to plug it in but nothing. I have pulled it out slow and pulled it out fast. Nothing. I've tried to turn it every way to have something fall out of the locking place but nothing.

I can look in and see the gears tense up when I pull past about a half an inch but I can't figure out any way to unlock it.

Does anyone know if A) there is some sort of super secret way to unlock this retractor? B) there is any other way for me to remove it besides cutting it? C) where to get the 5 point torx bit to undo the mechanism?

 

Couple of updates.

I was able to completely remove the belt from the car by locating the bottom connection in the seat. There's a little red recessed button that releases it, a tiny screwdriver and a little pressure and it popped out. So I was able to have a little more room and light to mess with it.

After trying everything, I was still unable to get the belt to release but I did bring it into my mechanic buddy at work. With a little bit of finesse pushing the belt in just far enough, he was able to get it to a point where it unlocked and pull it out. There was a twist in there that probably didn't help the situation but now it's all better. Gonna go put it back in tonight and get the panel shelf and rear seat reassembled.

I will be so glad when this project is finally completed.