Seat belts not locking on yank test (Page 1/1)
Squall86GT AUG 28, 09:42 PM
So I noticed that neither seatbelt locks up when you yank it fast. I can get seat belts on any other car we have to lock up that way but these don’t wanna . Is that just how thet are on the fiero? Will they actually work when you need them. Or is that something you need to replace on the car when it’s that old?
pontiacfierokid1985 AUG 28, 10:05 PM
Don’t need to replace them I thought the same thing when I did the yank and tug test. Perfectly normal for Fieros. I hit a deer 2-3 months back and I was wearing my belt and they locked up keeping me right in the seat. If you really want to test them go get into a accident lmao jk don’t go do that but you’ll be fine just make sure to buckle it everytime you get in and before you drive off
Notorio AUG 28, 11:23 PM
Shouldn't standing on the brakes at speed get the belts to lock up??
RWDPLZ AUG 28, 11:51 PM
The Fiero seatbelts use a relatively uncommon pendulum system. The pendulum swings forward under hard braking. As long as they lock up under braking, they're fine. The only issue is if they're being inspected at a race track and the official is unfamiliar with them.
skywurz AUG 29, 12:13 AM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

The Fiero seatbelts use a relatively uncommon pendulum system. The pendulum swings forward under hard braking. As long as they lock up under braking, they're fine. The only issue is if they're being inspected at a race track and the official is unfamiliar with them.



This 100% this. The funny thing is because of the anti lock and anti choke feature i have developed a small tick where if i don't quite feel my seat belt touching me i loop my thumb under it and give it a little flick to tighten it back up.
theogre AUG 29, 10:32 AM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:
The Fiero seatbelts use a relatively uncommon pendulum system. The pendulum swings forward under hard braking. As long as they lock up under braking, they're fine. The only issue is if they're being inspected at a race track and the official is unfamiliar with them.

Is not that "uncommon" and many GM belts built in 70's to 80's does this.

This system is made to keep belt on you w/o binding you to the seat.
And Doesn't have parts to fail like ones that lock when pulled "too fast."

The pendulum will also "trip" locking if car is parked or driven on a hill.
Exact grade % needed depend car going up hill, down hill or across because how the whole belt retract assembly is made.
Even jacking a car or using "service" ramps can "trip" this locking type. More so w/ shorter wheel base in most cars vs. full size pickup trucks.

Prior to this, many GM belts would ratchet out and stay out until taken off or pulled all the way out. They had many problems w/ them and dirt over time made any problem worse. I had to clean/fix many of this type.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Squall86GT AUG 29, 12:02 PM
Thanks guys, this is great info!