We've had an interesting problem develop in our 2010 RX350. The driver seatbelt no longer feels like it's going all the way into the buckle and when releasing it, you have to pull the metal end a bit to get it to come out. The seatbelt warning light and chime also comes on even after you've "buckled" it all the way (the chime turns off after ~30 seconds). I spoke with the local Lexus dealer who said there's no lifetime seatbelt warranty (unlike Honda) and I sent Lexus customer service a note and they said there is in fact a warranty but only 7 years/70k miles (or 10 years in Kansas) and we're outside of that on both fronts. Anyone else experience this? I can't see anything stuck in there and don't see an easy way to take the buckle apart...

 

On the Jaguar forum that I utilize, owners report that sometimes the seat belt apparatus just needs a good old-fashioned cleaning. Some owners have used warm water with a bit of Dawn dishwashing detergent mixed in, and they scrub the belt fabric and the associated buckle guts with an old toothbrush and then dry everything with a hair dryer. But you have to be able to take the various components apart in order to do an effective job.

 

Examine the tongue [metal plate that goes into the buckle and see if there is any deformation [bend, burrs etc].
Next find a air compressor and blow some air into the buckle [recepticle]. In desperation you can try using cleaners but they may compromise in the locking ands they end ups being a magnet for grime.
When this happened to my first gen, I simply bought a replacement as it is not worth messing with it. [There maybe my DIY in first gen forum. I think I did direct the old one for grins, and my conclusion was that not worth fixing it and it would be an eye-sore. [and at the end it was a wear issue and not a coin in the repticle].

Salim

 

eBay has many used ones for about $40

 

Ok thanks - will give this a go this weekend!

Ok good to know, not a bad price but I'm sure requires taking out the seat which is never fun.