Flashing seatbelt light

MAF cleaner didn't help with the button being stuck. I wonder if any of my back seat receptacles could be swapped to work up front. I'm guessing not.

 

Intersting. I find normally triflow or CRC contact cleaner will usually clear up any issues. I'm sure there's probably a way to pop the two halves open also, but there will be springs and other BS in there, so who knows what you'll get.

As far as swapping with the rear ... nope. You'll notice the front receptacles have a long plastic-wrapped tube that almost looks like a cord concealer, going from the bolt on the floor up into the receptacle. Guess what? That's exactly what it is. There should be either 1 or 2 wires going up thru that tube, into the buckle itself. That's what feeds info back indicating the buckle is latched. When you push the buckle in, it either opens/closes a circuit, which is how it knows "OK, all good!" or not. This is how every car I've ever owned worked from the 80s forward, the only difference is whether there were 1 or 2 wires running up into the buckle. Majority of the time it's only 1, and they're using the bolt into the floor as a ground source for the circuit. Sometimes just having that bolt at the bottom of the front buckle get corroded will cause a lot of the issues of flashing lights and other bullshit.

 

You would be correct since they do not have contacts inside nor a plugin.

$40 and new one can be here by Wed at latest

Another thing you can do to verify it’s not a lack of grounding problem at connector, is to unplug the 2 conductor plug under seat and short the 2 conductors together(truck side of harness), does light go out ?

BTW, if you simply PRESS in on red button without buckle in, does light go out ?

 

I'm fine with buying a new one but I thought we determined they don't have my color anymore? I guess I could live with tan.

I cannot press the button when the buckle is not inserted. Without the buckle the button is stuck in the downward position.

 

Does it at least slide freely? I would expect an internal spring in there, to push it out at all times.

 

Does what slide? The buckle goes in without issue. It locks in place. But once I release the buckle the red button stays in the downward position permanently.

No safety concerns. Just trying to get the light to not flash. It's not a huge deal which is why I've ignored it for years. I may just order a tan buckle.

 

Does the red button slide in and out? Like if you get a fishing hook or a paper clip and stick it in the slot, then grab the red button edge, can you slide the button all the way out, or in? Is it not spring-loaded like the others?

 

You may have don’t recall but if you’re basing it souly on online, perhaps you could check with a local dealer, if you haven’t already.

You may have to put it on that short list like brake issue and simply say fugged it because they mold the plastic around the innards. Took my old one to the table saw to see what it looked like cause I no other use for it.

 

Yes it does. With a screwdriver I can move it. I bet the return spring is broken.

I'll ask the dealer if they still sell any gray ones based on my vin. Thanks fellas!

 

I mean, the spring could've bounced loose also, and causing the issue. Or it could just be the spring is stuck/sticky. You won't know until you open it, and that could be equivocal to Pandora's box.

 

Mine does the same thing, if there's no buckle in it, it stays down. If I whack it a couple times it pops back out. This also makes the seatbelt light not ever flash nor beep when I start the truck. The seatbelt latches perfect every time so I haven't ever messed with it. My Tacoma was the same way. Think it may just be gunked up.

 

(2000) I just tried to free mine up (button stuck in) soaked and worked it with some DeepCreep... It still won't pop back up on it's own.
Now the light intermittently goes on. It was fine before I fucked with it, son of a bitch.
I also tried to get my belt to retract better, cleaned belt/polished loop, Annnnd thats worse too hahah.

 

Unbolt from top assembly and pressure wash. Silicone lube after. Works wonders.

 

My seatbelt light did the exact same thing, 2000 AC.
You could move it around and get the light off but would come back if you moved or hit a bump.
Clean it and lubed it, no change.
So I ordered a replacement from the dealer.
Was told it was at the warehouse but only one color, oak or as I see it tan.
Doesn't look that bad and no more seatbelt light, so an improvement to me.

 

My seatbelt light no longer flashes. Most likely because it finally blew out from not wearing one 1/2 the time around town.

 

As I've been thinking about this i might just pull the plug (and close the circuit if need be). I mean I always buckle up now days so it's a burned in routine. A little light isn't going to do anything but anyoy me.
I'll try the wash and silicon on the belt.
Thanks

 

I'm re-posting this video in a few different threads to spread it around. I had the worst time trying to find it a minute ago.

This video shows how to tear Toyota bucks apart and repair, swap internals, fixing broken circuit in the meantime. Props to @VR6T for finding it. Jump to roughly 4m30s to see where disassembly really begins. A lot of what comes before is referential fluff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPzkQwNlBBQ​