I have a 2003 Jaguar XK8 convertible. Recently the seat belt light came on. In looking at the passenger side, i see the 2 piece plastic parts have come apart for the buckle.
I taped them back together and the seat belt clips in with no problem. However the seatbelt light on the dash remaimes on.

I read sometime back that maybe their was a spring inside or some other part that has come out.

Any suggestions other than buying a new passenger side seat belt buckle?

Thank you,
John

 

I would find a salvage yard car with the same interior trim code and get the latch off the driver's seat.

 

Thank you,
John

 

JWheaton10,My buckle plastic also broke (same model year).

When you look at the mechanism, there are 2 springs inside. The larger one is for the latch locking mechanism. The smaller one is within the pin switch which is the electrical connection that you have lost. See pics.

 

I see what you mean, I taped the 2 pieces together for now. The latch click works with the seat belt.

John

 

I have the same issue with my 2001 XK8. I want to replace it totally. Can anyone recommend an online source to buy one that won't cost more than what I paid for the whole car?

Thanks

 

In looking online, I see several assemblies for the seat belt buckle starting at $15.

John

 

Thanks JWheaton10. I am aware of those bargain priced replacements from China. Has any member actually bought one, had it fit properly and last more than 24 hours in use? Since the real Jag replacement cost more than 10 times that, I think it's a fair question.

 

It looks like the 2 plastic buckle pieces snap together one time and it's permanent. Can I take apart a backseat set w/o damaging them and reinstall on the driver's side? Pry carefully and they come apart? Or better to just buy another set (2) and do a one time install on the driver's seat?

 

CA Jag,
You have a good idea as the rear Belts don't get used much ! It's a fair assumption that the rear moldings are the same as the front, although we know that the rear inner mechanisms do not have the switches..

These plastic covers have one click design. When you see the halves apart, the inner barbs are thicker section than the cover wall thickness. So unfortunately, you can't prevent the body from cracking when you pry at the seam.

 

If you can buy used parts from Jagheaven (or other), they must come apart somehow right? I have the 2 pieces from the driver's latch (ragged but fit together). Sounds like one fix is glue together carefully.
If the halves are connected, it might be possible to drill a small hole (from the side) thru the 2 inner barbs to separate. Useful only if they're not glued or have additional attachment points. Still have to reglue. If the rears have no switch not much point. Easiest is probably find new replacements.

Rear belts? Saw an ad for an XK8 which had a funny picture of a small doll belted in and wearing sunglasses. Seller insisted the doll didn't have a license or know how to drive so he/she had to stay in the backseat.

 

It's true you can't pry the shells apart as they are heat moulded together at the factory, the plastic will break.
what you can do is buy a used rear seat belt buckle from the breakers and carefully slice through the centre line with a junior hacksaw.

you can then superglue the shells to the front buckle.

think i paid around $25, cheap fix.

 

Sounds like a great solution. Thanks for the photos and instructions.