1991 Toyota Camry front seat belts do not seem to work

GIOSONG

MEMBER
1991 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

This Camry model has the old-design automated moving front belts that would move away from the seated person as the door is open and move in towards the seated person as the door is closed.

I do not feel that these belts are working because when I try to quickly throw my body forward or quickly pull on the belt by hand to simulate the case of moving body momentum such as in case of an accident then the belts are just loose and not reacting to oppose to the body to hold it.

I have another car, Mitsubishi Galant 90, when I try the above movements or when I drove the car around a circular curve it would react to oppose body moving weight.

I feel that the front belts on my Camry are not safe at all and would like to ask for your advice where would be the best place that would have the propert instruments to test the seat belts and to fix them.

I truly appreciate your time in reading and giving me any advices that you may have.

Thank you very much

1 Reply

DEV_DHD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have a 1991 Camry as well and had the same concern when I first bought it. The front seat belts do not engage no matter how rapidly you yank them when the car is at rest or even while driving. Here's how I tested mine and found out that they work just fine. Take the car to an open field, drive it at moderate speed and apply the brakes suddenly. The seat belt should engage. The assembly in this model is designed such that it responds to a sudden deceleration or rollover of the vehicle, but not to sudden acceleration of the belt. Newer cars have dual sensitive seat belts that respond to sudden movement of vehicle, webbing or other sensors.
Hope this helps.

Dev