Seatbelt Problems

[ebc1973]

I am having a really frustrating problem, and would greatly welcome any help possible. I just purchased a used 1995 Escort, and it is my sole means of transportation. The Escort has the motor driven track seatbelt system, otherwise known as passive restraint. When I got the car, the latch was stuck in the middle of the track, and you can hear the motor constantly struggling to return the latch to it's home position. I took the car to the shop where I get my car inspected normally, and was told they could not fix it, but if I got it to return to it's home position, which is behind the driver, and disconnected the motor, that would suffice to pass inspection. I do not care about the convenience of the motorized system. I am quite content with manually latching and unlatching the seatbelt when I get it or out of the vehicle. All I need help to do is return the latch to said positon, and I will simply disengage the motor, and all is well. I went to Ford, and they said the only alternative was replacing the whole mechanism, track and motor, and it would cost in excess of 600.00. This is an unnacceptable solution, and I know there has to be a way to manually move the latch. If anyone has the solution, or can help me to find the solution, I would be very grateful.

[mightymoose_22]

If you have the confidence and tools to do it, take the seatbelt apart and figure out why it is stuck. You might find an easy fix, and the process of taking it apart and putting it back together just might free it up.
I have never had reason to take it apart... not certain what is involved.
If it comes down to needing a part, there are plenty of 'scorts out there in the boneyards. Go get what you need and save several hundred dollars.