Is this strange or am I missing something? Today I was descending a really steep hill, gravel road, and figured I was ridding the brake a little too much, so I dropped down to 2nd. When the trans engaged, my shoulder harness inertia reel locked! The only way it would unlock was to press my back into the seat hard, then it unlocked. This hill is nothing new to me and I drive it a lot, but today I was going a little fast for my comfort. Is this a normal function or should I replace the belt? 2000 WJ.

 

That is correct. Gravity makes it lock up. Imagine a crash, you get throw forward. That inertia causes the seat beat to hold you in place

 

When 'joyriding' (driving rally style, being tossed this way and that) the seatbelts constrict more and more as I bounce around and compresses me into the seat.. Eventually I have to reset it.

 

The reason I asked is because this is the first time it's happened to me. I guess I don't drive hard enough, LOL! It's good to know it works. Thanks.

 

Lol. Nothing like a non lethal test

 

This happens to me a lot haha like when i lean a bit forward to reach for something that might have fallen into the passenger foot well, i get choked back not even expecting it haha

 

When I'm.coming to a yield sign and I lean forward fast to look to see if anyone is coming, and I press the brake, the seat belt locks up and I can't lean forward to look.

 

I once read a service bulletin for the Dodge Caravan that said to test the seatbelt locking function, you raise the rear wheels ONLY 4 ft off the floor and the belts should lock. The only way I can see to do that safely is with a dual post lift.

 

I've noticed this on Jeeps more than others (my family has owned several)... I just usually unfasten the seatbelt and refasten it, or move the part on the door sill that moves it up and down.