CL500 seat belt won't retract

[Dazzr]

Passenger seat belt is totally extended and won't retract back in.(2001 CL 500) I've read a lot of posts about this problem and there seems to be a lot of conflicting advice about how to fix it.
Some say it is a electrical contact that need cleaning, others say the seat belt needs replacing. I really need to get this at the least ,the seat belt to be sorted by tomorrow as I've got a long journey planned for Saturday.
Is there a quick temporary fix I can do to wind it back in.
Any one recommend a honest specialist near me. I live in Suffolk about 5 mile from Ipswich.
Why do things always break just before you need them?

 

[Dazzr]

Gone in to mb automotive this morning, ill report back with what they found and cost. Hopefully not to many ££££

 

[zipdip]

Does the belt try to retract even a little,if it does buy a spray can of silicone,my local 99p shop has them,just give it a decent spray and keep working it out and let go it may well take a little more each time and then bingo it will go back easily,I used it on a seat belt that did that just before a MOT and it worked great in fact it is a tip for any car that the seat belt is a bit lazy going back.

 

[Will]

I have a complete spare driver's seat in black with seatbelt mechanism if you get stuck - would need to check part numbers but the seatbelt and reel maybe compatible. I can advise on disassembly and fitment too if you need help.

See how you get on with your local specialist first.

Will

 

[Dazzr]

Cheers Will. I've got biscuit colour interior. Garage people seem good, hoping they can get second hand belt , it's completely unwound. If my tools weren't in storage I would give it a go myself.

 

[Dazzr]

Got the call today to say it was done. The managed to repair the seat belt so bill is £250 ish,which I'm pleased with. They said it needs oil breather pipes and rear diff has tiny leak,so jobs for the near future.