1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will disengage
when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move. The
dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the "sensor"
that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to force
the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep my
sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I go
to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions. The
fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.

Thanx in advance!

Jonathan

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
>I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will disengage
>when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
>ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move. The
>dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the "sensor"
>that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to force
>the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep my
>sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
>something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I go
>to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions. The
>fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
>Thanx in advance!
>
>Jonathan

before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).

"alot is not a word"
Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
>I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will disengage
>when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
>ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move. The
>dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the "sensor"
>that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to force
>the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep my
>sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
>something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I go
>to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions. The
>fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
>Thanx in advance!
>
>Jonathan

before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).

"alot is not a word"
Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
>I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will disengage
>when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
>ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move. The
>dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the "sensor"
>that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to force
>the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep my
>sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
>something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I go
>to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions. The
>fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
>Thanx in advance!
>
>Jonathan

before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).

"alot is not a word"
Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
>I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will disengage
>when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
>ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move. The
>dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the "sensor"
>that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to force
>the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep my
>sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
>something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I go
>to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions. The
>fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
>Thanx in advance!
>
>Jonathan

before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).

"alot is not a word"
Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

This is good advice. I second it.
"Uncle Mike" <michaelhum@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:69DVb.953$sO4.220451@news20.bellglobal.com...
> In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan
Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped
working.
> >I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> >when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> >ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> >dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> >that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> >the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> >sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> >something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> >to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> >fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
> >
> >Thanx in advance!
> >
> >Jonathan
>
> before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
> seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).
>
> "alot is not a word"
> Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

This is good advice. I second it.
"Uncle Mike" <michaelhum@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:69DVb.953$sO4.220451@news20.bellglobal.com...
> In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan
Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped
working.
> >I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> >when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> >ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> >dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> >that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> >the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> >sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> >something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> >to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> >fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
> >
> >Thanx in advance!
> >
> >Jonathan
>
> before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
> seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).
>
> "alot is not a word"
> Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

This is good advice. I second it.
"Uncle Mike" <michaelhum@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:69DVb.953$sO4.220451@news20.bellglobal.com...
> In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan
Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped
working.
> >I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> >when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> >ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> >dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> >that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> >the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> >sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> >something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> >to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> >fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
> >
> >Thanx in advance!
> >
> >Jonathan
>
> before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
> seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).
>
> "alot is not a word"
> Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

This is good advice. I second it.
"Uncle Mike" <michaelhum@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:69DVb.953$sO4.220451@news20.bellglobal.com...
> In article <F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.com> , "Jonathan
Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped
working.
> >I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> >when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> >ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> >dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> >that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> >the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> >sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> >something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> >to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> >fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
> >
> >Thanx in advance!
> >
> >Jonathan
>
> before you do anything, Honda's have a lifetime warranty on
> seatbelt issues. See a dealer (as painfull as that sounds).
>
> "alot is not a word"
> Uncle Mike

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the motor
& any other mechanism aside the belt
Basically even if the seatbelt itself is torn, he'll still try to annoy you
by blaming it on you & saying you cut it... but at least then you have a
shot.

Another thing he may pull, is say "the parts are covered but the labor is
not"... which is basically the same thing as saying "you'll pay the full
price".

silly, I know, but thats the way it is....


"Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
> I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
> Thanx in advance!
>
> Jonathan
>
>

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the motor
& any other mechanism aside the belt
Basically even if the seatbelt itself is torn, he'll still try to annoy you
by blaming it on you & saying you cut it... but at least then you have a
shot.

Another thing he may pull, is say "the parts are covered but the labor is
not"... which is basically the same thing as saying "you'll pay the full
price".

silly, I know, but thats the way it is....


"Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
> I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
> Thanx in advance!
>
> Jonathan
>
>

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the motor
& any other mechanism aside the belt
Basically even if the seatbelt itself is torn, he'll still try to annoy you
by blaming it on you & saying you cut it... but at least then you have a
shot.

Another thing he may pull, is say "the parts are covered but the labor is
not"... which is basically the same thing as saying "you'll pay the full
price".

silly, I know, but thats the way it is....


"Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
> I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
> Thanx in advance!
>
> Jonathan
>
>

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the motor
& any other mechanism aside the belt
Basically even if the seatbelt itself is torn, he'll still try to annoy you
by blaming it on you & saying you cut it... but at least then you have a
shot.

Another thing he may pull, is say "the parts are covered but the labor is
not"... which is basically the same thing as saying "you'll pay the full
price".

silly, I know, but thats the way it is....


"Jonathan Upright" <qaesar1@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:F6CVb.2807$4I6.524842@twister.southeast.rr.co m...
> On my 1990 Civic LX 4-dr, my seatbelt (driver side) has ½ stopped working.
> I say half because it will go one way, but not the other. It will
disengage
> when I open the door or turn off the car and remove the key from the
> ignition, but when I close the door and start the car, it doesn't move.
The
> dash light flashes and I hear the constant beeping, so I assume the
"sensor"
> that detects the seatbelt's location is working properly. I've had to
force
> the seatbelt back to the "engaged" position and unplug the motor to keep
my
> sanity. My question is: Is this problem with the actual motor, or
> something else? I managed to get a new motor for only $10, but before I
go
> to the aggravation of changing it, I would like a few second opinions.
The
> fact that it will go one way but not the other is what has me confused.
>
> Thanx in advance!
>
> Jonathan
>
>

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
>
> not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> motor & any other mechanism aside the belt

This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
>
> not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> motor & any other mechanism aside the belt

This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
>
> not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> motor & any other mechanism aside the belt

This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
>
> not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> motor & any other mechanism aside the belt

This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I haven't
touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can easily plug
that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact that my car has a
salvage title have any bearing on the recall / warranty? (Of course, I
wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was wondering just in case they
looked up the VIN for that type of information before doing any work)
Obviously, I don't have a lot of money to burn right now.

Thanx again,

Jonathan

"Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:40282594.30011AAD@spam.now...
> Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
> >
> > not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> > he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> > motor & any other mechanism aside the belt
>
> This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
> that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
> not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I haven't
touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can easily plug
that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact that my car has a
salvage title have any bearing on the recall / warranty? (Of course, I
wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was wondering just in case they
looked up the VIN for that type of information before doing any work)
Obviously, I don't have a lot of money to burn right now.

Thanx again,

Jonathan

"Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:40282594.30011AAD@spam.now...
> Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
> >
> > not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> > he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> > motor & any other mechanism aside the belt
>
> This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
> that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
> not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I haven't
touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can easily plug
that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact that my car has a
salvage title have any bearing on the recall / warranty? (Of course, I
wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was wondering just in case they
looked up the VIN for that type of information before doing any work)
Obviously, I don't have a lot of money to burn right now.

Thanx again,

Jonathan

"Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:40282594.30011AAD@spam.now...
> Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
> >
> > not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> > he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> > motor & any other mechanism aside the belt
>
> This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
> that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
> not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I haven't
touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can easily plug
that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact that my car has a
salvage title have any bearing on the recall / warranty? (Of course, I
wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was wondering just in case they
looked up the VIN for that type of information before doing any work)
Obviously, I don't have a lot of money to burn right now.

Thanx again,

Jonathan

"Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:40282594.30011AAD@spam.now...
> Yuri Nebogatov wrote:
> >
> > not to offend the poster, but dont bother with the dealer...
> > he'll tell you the warranty applies on the seatbelt itself and not the
> > motor & any other mechanism aside the belt
>
> This is not entirely correct. Honda issued a recall for the '88-91 Civic
> that covered the seat belt's latching mechanism. Clearly, this recall did
> not involve the actual belt.

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Jonathan Upright wrote:
>
> So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I
> haven't touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can
> easily plug that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact
> that my car has a salvage title have any bearing on the recall /
> warranty? (Of course, I wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was
> wondering just in case they looked up the VIN for that type of
> information before doing any work) Obviously, I don't have a lot of
> money to burn right now.

If I remember correctly, the recall was only for the latching mechanism. It
seems that the red plastic insert on one of the brands of latches that was
used would crack and break apart. This would leave small bits of plastic
down in the latch which would prevent it from functioning correctly. For
example, I believe that there was mention of the seat belt potentially not
restraining the driver/passenger in the event of a collision. Honda issued
a service bulletin for this recall though I don't have the specific
information at this time.

You may want to call an independent Honda shop as well as a Honda dealer in
your area to get an estimate on the repairs and to see if Honda will cover
it under warranty.

Eric

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Jonathan Upright wrote:
>
> So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I
> haven't touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can
> easily plug that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact
> that my car has a salvage title have any bearing on the recall /
> warranty? (Of course, I wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was
> wondering just in case they looked up the VIN for that type of
> information before doing any work) Obviously, I don't have a lot of
> money to burn right now.

If I remember correctly, the recall was only for the latching mechanism. It
seems that the red plastic insert on one of the brands of latches that was
used would crack and break apart. This would leave small bits of plastic
down in the latch which would prevent it from functioning correctly. For
example, I believe that there was mention of the seat belt potentially not
restraining the driver/passenger in the event of a collision. Honda issued
a service bulletin for this recall though I don't have the specific
information at this time.

You may want to call an independent Honda shop as well as a Honda dealer in
your area to get an estimate on the repairs and to see if Honda will cover
it under warranty.

Eric

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Jonathan Upright wrote:
>
> So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I
> haven't touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can
> easily plug that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact
> that my car has a salvage title have any bearing on the recall /
> warranty? (Of course, I wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was
> wondering just in case they looked up the VIN for that type of
> information before doing any work) Obviously, I don't have a lot of
> money to burn right now.

If I remember correctly, the recall was only for the latching mechanism. It
seems that the red plastic insert on one of the brands of latches that was
used would crack and break apart. This would leave small bits of plastic
down in the latch which would prevent it from functioning correctly. For
example, I believe that there was mention of the seat belt potentially not
restraining the driver/passenger in the event of a collision. Honda issued
a service bulletin for this recall though I don't have the specific
information at this time.

You may want to call an independent Honda shop as well as a Honda dealer in
your area to get an estimate on the repairs and to see if Honda will cover
it under warranty.

Eric

Re: 1990 Civic Seatbelt Problem
 

Jonathan Upright wrote:
>
> So, if it is a recall, could the dealer still bill me for labor? I
> haven't touched anything yet aside from unplugging the motor, but I can
> easily plug that back up before I take it to a dealer. Would the fact
> that my car has a salvage title have any bearing on the recall /
> warranty? (Of course, I wouldn't volunteer that information, but I was
> wondering just in case they looked up the VIN for that type of
> information before doing any work) Obviously, I don't have a lot of
> money to burn right now.

If I remember correctly, the recall was only for the latching mechanism. It
seems that the red plastic insert on one of the brands of latches that was
used would crack and break apart. This would leave small bits of plastic
down in the latch which would prevent it from functioning correctly. For
example, I believe that there was mention of the seat belt potentially not
restraining the driver/passenger in the event of a collision. Honda issued
a service bulletin for this recall though I don't have the specific
information at this time.

You may want to call an independent Honda shop as well as a Honda dealer in
your area to get an estimate on the repairs and to see if Honda will cover
it under warranty.

Eric