How do I get the seatbelts in my 99 Windstar to lock so that I can install a child safety seat?

Question

I'm borrowing my in-law's 99 Ford Windstar and need to install 2 child safety seats in the 2nd row seat. But it seems to me that the seatbelts do not lock, so there is no way to keep the seat installed tightly. In my car that I usually drive, you need to pull the seatbelt all the way out in order for it to "lock".

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Some model years on some makes don't lock. The BMW I had was that way. They make a clip to use so that you pull the belt all the way out and clip it to keep it from going back in. The BMW came with the clip and I've seen them with some other models. A good stout clamp like they use for chips and stuff would work.

Answer 2

Check inside the locking mechanism first to see if anything is stuck in there and if not then that part is no good and should not be used.

Answer 3

I think my dad has a 97 Windstar and the seatbelts always lock.

It could be that the lock mechanism doesn't work from non use. Try spraying some WD-40 in them and see if they lock.

They could be sticking. It might take a few times for them to loosen up and start working again.