[c0mbat]

Hello all. I am in need of some help. I have a 2010 i30 and am having trouble with the drivers side seatbelt buckle. It is very difficult to un-buckle. I really have to pull hard to get it out. Has anyone else had this problem? I only speak english, and both Hyundai dealerships that I went to (I live in Germany) only spoke German and could not (maybe would not) help me. I would really only need a part number so I can search online and purchase one or go back to the dealership with it and just have them order what I need. It is a left hand drive car, apparently bought in Bulgaria (I am the second owner) and any help would be very much appreciated! Thank you!!

I found one on eBay, but am unsure if it would work on my i30... Here is a link  http://www.ebay.com/itm/181191966406?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[rustynutz]

I'd try a squirt of silicone lube before rushing out to buy another buckle.... 

Welcome to our little forum, by the way.... 

[c0mbat]

That's a great idea, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it.

Thank you!

[rustynutz]

Cheers! fingers crossed it works..... 

[Asterix]

Those 2 black plastic covers are often easy to get apart with a screwdriver, then you can see if there's something stuck in there. It may require the seat to be removed from the car, but that's an easy job also.

You could also try to get another one from a wreckyard (Schrottplatz)

[eye30]

Do you have a german friend who can translate for you?

Edit addition,
 I see you are in the usaf so is there anyone on base who could translate  either go with you or write it down.

[Keith]

2010 model should be covered by Warranty shouldn't it?

[Just Rick]

2010 model should be covered by Warranty shouldn't it?

I know here in Oz,you only get the remainder of the new car warranty,if they original owner has followed the correct servicing of the vehicle and when you buy the car secondhand,the transfer of remainding new car warranty form in the front of the owners manual has to be filled out and registered with Hy,a Friend had to do it with the 2010 he bought,but yes should be covered by warranty.

[c0mbat]

Thanks for all the replies, I could try and get someone to translate for me, but it would be over the phone as most of the German speaking people are actually Germans..

The guy I bought the car from told me he bought it in Germany, but didn't tell me that it was imported from Bulgaria. From what Hyundai told me when I called them, since it was imported to Germany, the importer only gave it a 36 month warranty so there is no 5 years. I was pretty disappointed when they told me this.

I was going to attempt to disassemble the buckle, but someone told me that 1. The air bag could deploy if I mess with it and 2. there is some sort of charge in the assembly to eject the seat belt in case of an accident. I'm not too sure about the second one, because I would hope that the seat belt stays in if I wreck..

Like I mentioned in my original post, I found one on eBay, but am unsure if it will work since it's for a UK version that is right hand drive (mine is a LHD).

I have not tried the silicone spray yet, haven't had a chance to get some. I'm really hoping that that will solve my issue, but if not I'll have to purchase a new buckle.

[eye30]

I would of thought that  the belts are not side specific

[Dazzler]

I would of thought that  the belts are not side specific

 

Welcome, by the way. WD40 or RP7 should work too if you can't get Silicone spray easily.

[Asterix]

Thanks for all the replies, I could try and get someone to translate for me, but it would be over the phone as most of the German speaking people are actually Germans..

The guy I bought the car from told me he bought it in Germany, but didn't tell me that it was imported from Bulgaria. From what Hyundai told me when I called them, since it was imported to Germany, the importer only gave it a 36 month warranty so there is no 5 years. I was pretty disappointed when they told me this.

I was going to attempt to disassemble the buckle, but someone told me that 1. The air bag could deploy if I mess with it and 2. there is some sort of charge in the assembly to eject the seat belt in case of an accident. I'm not too sure about the second one, because I would hope that the seat belt stays in if I wreck..

Like I mentioned in my original post, I found one on eBay, but am unsure if it will work since it's for a UK version that is right hand drive (mine is a LHD).

I have not tried the silicone spray yet, haven't had a chance to get some. I'm really hoping that that will solve my issue, but if not I'll have to purchase a new buckle.

Hi

What you have been told is a load of BS. 

The only electrical connections there's in the buckle is a sensor/contact to detect if the seatbelt is in the buckle when someone is in the seat.

The airbag only deploys in case of a crash, or if you fiddle with the wires to the airbag. There's an side-airbag in the seat, so if you have to get the seat out, DO remove the - (negative) on the battery before starting the operation.

[Phil №❶]

Before you do anything, I have had a similar problem with the driver's buckle in our car., also 2010. But, there is nothing wrong with our buckle at all and nothing to fix. It is simply how you grab the buckle to remove it. Before you use silicone or any other oils etc, try this. When you're ready to release the buckle, pull your seatbelt away from your bodyso there is some slack in the belt. When I press mine, the buckle releases perfectly. I'm not sure putting any type of lubricant down there is such a good idea at all.

[Keith]

Do we not have seatbelt pre-tensioners?
These may be the "explosive devices" in the seatbelt mechanisms that were mentioned...

[rustynutz]

I would of thought that  the belts are not side specific

 

Welcome, by the way. WD40 or RP7 should work too if you can't get Silicone spray easily.

Or some cooking spray will do the job as well if you're cheap like me... 

[Dazzler]

I would of thought that  the belts are not side specific

 

Welcome, by the way. WD40 or RP7 should work too if you can't get Silicone spray easily.

Or some cooking spray will do the job as well if you're cheap like me... 

Now you are cooking Rusty 

[Phil №❶]

Do we not have seatbelt pre-tensioners?
These may be the "explosive devices" in the seatbelt mechanisms that were mentioned...

AFAIK, no, just inertia reel, which lock on change in inertia.

[rustynutz]

Now you are cooking Rusty 

I use olive oil based cooking spray as it's better for you....   

[Keith]

Do we not have seatbelt pre-tensioners?
These may be the "explosive devices" in the seatbelt mechanisms that were mentioned...

AFAIK, no, just inertia reel, which lock on change in inertia.

Looks like mine does... The rest of this Auto-Trader Ad is accurate & includes Pretensioners.  http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/hyundai/i30/used-hyundai-i30-1-6-premium-5dr-auto-ramsgate-fpa-201306127245724[/