When my 1995 ls400 is off my seatbelt extends and retracts fine, as soon as I turn it on, you extend it and it won't retract. This is an electronic problem. I know this because I put it in neutral and turn the car off and it will then automatically retract. Is my car crazy or has anyone else had this problem?? just to answer your ?'s in advance, both of my power seatbelt shoulder adjustments work great

 

Theres a switch in your seat belt buckle that activates when you buckle up. It reduces the seat belt tensioner, so it doesnt put pressure on your shoulder. Ever notice how comfortable the Lexus belt is compared to lets say a Nissan belt?

Well your switch must've failed in a stuck position, so your car thinks your belt is always buckled up. Keep in mind however that this switch is separate from the seatbelt warning light switch, so you should still be getting a warning light if you're not buckled up.

In any case, when you turn the car off, it it shuts of the tensior reduced so your can will retract.

 

I have the same problem with my 96 passenger seat belt. I asked Lexus what they could do, and they said we don't work on them, we just put in an entire new seat belt assembly. I said screw that. I now will look into the switch, maybe contact cleaner or IPA will fix it.

 

What about disconnecting it??

 

You could disable the switch but then your seatbelts will become awfuly uncomfortable. Unbearable almost.