In a message dated 12/22/04 4:24:22 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
vw.vanagon@TELIA.COM writes:

> Change the belt !
> It�s possible to take�m apart and inside there is a spring, kinda like in
> the pulley on a chainsaw that�s a real pain to get in place if it jumps out
> ( and chances are high that it will !!!) and you also need to get all the
> parts in the right order to lock.
> 
> Play it safe and  get a new one - it�s not expensive compared to the medical
> 

no vanagon ive ever seen or owned had front seatbelts that retracted on their 
own without help. and ive owned alot of vanagons..  all other vws and audis 
do this as well..   just because they dont retract on their own doesnt mean 
they dont serve their purpose..  they are inertia operated.. take the belt and 
yank it really fast..if it locks up, then its functioning fine.
taking the seatbelt and manually helping it back into the reel after use, is 
just a normal part of owning a vw.. :<)

chris