Seat Belt Switch: Description
The seat belt switch for this vehicle is actually a Hall Effect-type sensor. This sensor consists of a fixed-position, Hall Effect Integrated Circuit (IC) chip and a small permanent magnet that is integral to the front seat belt buckle. The front seat belt buckle is located on a molded plastic scabbard and secured along with the seat belt tensioner mechanism by a nut to the inboard side of the front seat cushion frame. The seat belt switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a two-lead pigtail wire and connector (1) on the front seat belt buckle-half, which is connected to a wire harness connector and take out of the seat wire harness. A radio noise suppression capacitor is connected in parallel with the IC where the two pigtail wire leads connect to the IC pins.
Many vehicles, including those equipped with the optional Occupant Classification System (OCS) have a seat belt switch in both front seat belt buckles. Some vehicles without the OCS have only the switch in the driver side front seat belt buckle connected.
The seat belt switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, the entire front seat belt buckle-half and tensioner unit must be replaced.