Check the warranty for your car. This may be covered.

My 1991 Civic had driver's seatbelt retraction problems. Two years ago the
dealer repaired it at no cost. I checked the warranty and seatbelts were indeed
covered for the life of the car.

Your dealer may be mistaken.

"N. Jensen" <nospam@net.com> wrote
> I have the following problem: My right passenger side seatbelt won't retract
> most of the time. My local dealer shop has told me the problem is with the
> sensor. But it's the first time I've been to this particular shop, and the
> mechanic's manner didn't inspire confidence. He didn't appear totally
> convinced himself this was the problem, though he recommended I order a new
> replacement sensor.
>
> My questions:
>
> (1) I've been quoted $400 parts and labor. Is that a fair price?
>
> (2) Where is the sensor located? I have a friend who's an electronics whiz
> whom I could ask to look at it. I've bought and looked through the Haynes
> guide, but it's a bit lacking in this level of detail.
>
> (3) From my googling, this doesn't seem to be a common problem. Is there
> something else I could suggest might be a problem, so I don't appear to be
> the total rube that I am?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Nina Jensen
> '91 Accord 4-door LX
>