JCON

I have a 2005 V6 convertible. The passenger side lift for the top developed a leak in the seal, spewing ATF all over the seat belt housing. The belt still worked fine. I replaced the lift and removed the belt so I could soak the belt and remove as much of the fluid as possible (very oily and gives most people a headache). reinstalled the belt, everything worked fine. a few hours later my girlfriend and I got in and the belt is now stuck in the fully retracted position. I can't get it out. it's been several days and still no luck. Any ideas? when it stops raining I am going to remove it again and clean the ball bearing used for the tensioner. I don't want to buy a new one. I just spent $130 on the lift that I wasn't planning on.