If your car is a 1996 or newer, the retractor is usually a
SWITCHABLE retractor - meaning that it can switch from the usual
mode of locking only in an EMERGENCY, to a mode where it locks at
all times - called the AUTOMATIC locking mode. Changing the belt
from the EMERGENCY to AUTOMATIC locking modes is easy - simply pull
the shoulder belt out all the way (do it slowly) - when you get to
the very end, let the belt go back in. As it goes back in you will
likely hear a ratcheting sound - and if you give a gentle pull you
will notice that the belt is locked and it is not possible to make
the belt any longer. In the automatic locking mode, the shoulder
belt only gets shorter - it does not get longer (it will however go
back to "normal" when you let the belt all the way back in).
http://thecarseatlady.wordpress.com/installation-tricks/lockingthebelt/