Everyone knows that you have to fasten your seat belts when traveling by car. However, there are situations where the alarm buzzer is a real nuisance. For example, when you are driving very slowly in the countryside and you have to stop often you may not need seat belts. In the city, however, you may need to take your wallet out of your back pocket when you are at the toll booth and the constant sound of the alarm may not be pleasant. Sometimes, it is even possible for the alarm to "stop" and continue to sound, regardless of whether or not you put the ring in the buckle. Fortunately, it can be disabled.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Install an Alarm Block
Step 1. Choose a suitable lock for the seat belt alarm
There are two products on the market designed for this purpose. The first is a simple loose swing ring (the part that goes into the anchor buckle). The second is an extension that fits into the buckle, but which provides a second buckle to which you can attach the real seat belt, when needed, without having to detach the lock.
Step 2. Purchase the block of your choice
If you are going to use the seat belt of the same seat that you put the lock on, choose an extension model. If not, just buy the swing ring. Both devices are inexpensive, available in auto parts stores and online.
Step 3. Install the lock
Make sure it fits the buckle fitted to your car, then insert it as you would a normal seat belt. At this point, you are "free" from the buzzer.
Method 2 of 4: Deactivate the Seat Belt Alarm with the Car Company Tools
Step 1. Be aware of the damage you can cause to the airbag
On many cars, the seat belt sensor is also linked to the trigger of the airbag. Find out if your model also has this type of system before proceeding with any drastic changes to the alarm.
Step 2. Consult the service manual or ask your dealer to disable the buzzer through an on-board computer program
Most manuals provide instructions for deactivating the sensor without cutting any cables; these indications consist of a very specific series of actions to be carried out with the car parked. Below is an example of the sequence to be followed to silence the buzzer of a Toyota Camry (2004 model and later):
- Insert the key and turn it to operate the electrical system without starting the engine.
- On the dashboard there is a button that allows you to view the partial and total kilometers traveled. Press this button until "ODO" is displayed on the instrument panel.
- You should turn the key to turn off the power and then start it again.
- Press the same button for 10-15 seconds and insert the swing ring into the seat belt buckle. At this point, you can release the key.
- You should see "B OFF" flashing on the instrument panel indicating that you have deactivated the seat belt alarm.
Step 3. Turn off the buzzer
It may be necessary to follow the procedures indicated in the maintenance manual to reprogram the alarm which, as already described above, consist of a series of actions to be carried out with the car parked. Alternatively, take the car to the dealer to do all the work. Some cars need to be taken to an authorized workshop to undergo a software reprogramming.
Remember that dealers are often reluctant to perform this procedure due to the legal and liability implications it entails
Method 3 of 4: Bypass the Alarm Inside the Buckle
Step 1. Locate the torx screws located on the belt buckle
Generally, they are inserted on the back side and are tamper-proof screws, so you will need to find the right torx bit to be able to remove them.
Step 2. Remove the screws using a T10 hollow bit
Insert it into a screwdriver with an interchangeable tip. Turn the screws counterclockwise until you have completely loosened them. This way, you have access to the inner portion of the buckle.
Step 3. Remove the plastic side cover
It should come off smoothly after removing the screws. Inside you should see a spring connected to a slide switch.
Step 4. Remove the small spring and slide the switch down to the extreme position
By doing so, the sensor receives the signal that the oscillating ring is always hooked to the buckle and the alarm will no longer activate. You can check that the seat belt warning light on the dashboard is off.
Step 5. Reassemble the plastic cover and screws
Put the cover back in place and use the T10 bit to tighten the torx screws. To do this, turn the screwdriver clockwise.
Step 6. Save the spring for future use
It may need to be reinstalled, for example if you decide to sell the car and the new buyer wants the seatbelt alarm to work.
Method 4 of 4: Cut the Sensor Cable
Step 1. Proceed with caution
You should not cut any cables until you are certain that this tampering does not interfere with the operation of the airbag. If you have come to the conclusion that you need to cut the seat belt alarm cables to deactivate it (and you are certain that this will not inhibit the airbag as well), you need to identify the right harnesses precisely. Also know that in this way you will partially or totally invalidate the warranty of the machine.
Step 2. Look under the driver's seat
You should see a series of cables that connect to the buckle via a release button. These elements should be placed towards the rear of the seat and on the right side; make up the wiring you are looking for.
Step 3. Find the path of the cable under the seat
You need to find an accessible spot so you can get your hands under the seat and work efficiently. It may be difficult to find a good location to operate in this area.
Step 4. Look for two parallel cables
These are connected when you fasten the seat belt and disconnect when you take it off. They represent the mechanism that allows the sensor to "understand" when it should ring. Your goal is to permanently connect the two cables.
Step 5. Cut both threads
By doing this, you detach them from the belt buckle and you will have the two ends to join together, in order to establish a permanent connection.
Step 6. Join the threads
You have to connect the cables that come out and go to the seat belt sensor. This means you don't have to connect the ends of the wire that goes into the buckle. To do the wiring you can twist, crimp or solder the wires.
Step 7. Isolate the ends
In this way, you avoid a short circuit with the metal parts that are under the seat. Just cover the bare wires with insulating tape or heat shrink tape.
Step 8. Store the cables away from the brackets holding the seat
This way you avoid them getting tangled when you adjust the sitting position. Knotted threads could tear or break; as a result, the alarm may sound incessantly until the connection is restored.
Advice
- You need a flashlight to see well under the seat.
- At the end of the work take a test drive to verify its effectiveness; if you have cut the wrong wiring, just use butt connectors to reconnect them.
- Whether or not the swing ring is inserted into the locking buckle shouldn't make any difference; however, this may vary by vehicle.
Warnings
- Tampering with the seat belt sensor can interfere with the operation of the airbag. This means putting your safety and that of the passengers at serious risk. Make sure the airbag system is not altered by your work.
- Do not cut the ignition or engine cables.
- Altering the seat belt sensor voids the warranty on the vehicle.
