Seat Belt Warning Lights '09 Tacoma

[santacruzer]

Anybody had any experience disconnecting the driver & passenger seat belt warning lights and beepers on the newer Tacomas?

Guess I didn't have my eyes open wide enough when I bought the '09! The passenger side has an occupancy sensor that activates/deactivates the air bag system on that side (seat AND dash), and it's a maze of wires under the seats. The dealer is, of course, not interested in doing it for me!

It's driving me nuts on ranch roads where I or my passenger is in and out opening and closing gates. Can't always keep the belts connected behind me, either.

[5280Hawk]

Never head mine Beep, It just has the sensor light. That would be really annoying though.

When you get the Maintenance done at the Dealer talk to the guys actually doing the work, they MAY be willing to help you.

[santacruzer]

Good idea.

Mine beeps both driver and passenger side. The beeper shuts off on the driver side after an aggravatingly long time, although the light continues flashing. The passenger side starts beeping the instant the seat belt is disconnected, and doesn't stop until the passenger gets out or it's reconnected.

I did inquire at the Parts Desk about buying the male part of the seat belt connector. Thought I'd just have an insert to use when I was on ranch roads that would deactivate the light and beeper without actually having the belts engaged. I was told seat belts are not "repairable" items under Federal law, I'd have to buy the whole set-up. And they seem to redesign the damn things frequently, it matches nothing I've seen at junk yards so far. Might have to have a set made at a machine shop.

I'm all for seat belt usage, but this is just too high tech for practicality. I still like the Tacoma, but it's less of a "truck" than was my 2001, and certainly my old '85.

[ToyotaDon]

There is a connector at each inner seat belt buckle.


On the driver's seat, it would be a simple matter of disconnecting and jumpering the connector. The passenger side looks more complicated with a diode and possibly a solid state electronic sensor.

Another option would be to ask the Toyota dealer to get you seat belt extenders.

From a TSB:

Toyota customers who find it necessary to increase the length of their seat belts may obtain Seat
Belt Extenders at no cost through their local Toyota dealer.
• The extender is available in 6-inch, 9-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch lengths.
• The extender is available only in black.
• Owners are informed of the Seat Belt Extender availability through the Scion Owner’s Manual
included in each vehicle.
The customer (individual requiring the extender) must visit a Toyota dealership to have the required
measurements made and to complete the Seat Belt Extender Worksheet. The worksheet will allow
the proper fitting and selection of a Seat Belt Extender for the customer. The dealership personnel
should then determine the applicable part number and place an order through Dealer Daily.
The dealership service department should complete the affixed Seat Belt Extender Customer
Information Label on the part and review the “Owner Instructions” (page 4) with the customer. The
dealership should give a copy of the completed worksheet and Owner Instructions to the customer
and keep the originals in the customer’s file. To assure utmost owner satisfaction, it is recommended
that a dealership designate one person to coordinate all activities related to the Seat Belt Extender issue. It is recommended that
dealerships do NOT stock Seat Belt Extenders due to the need for
proper fitting to individual customers.

[santacruzer]

TD,

Thanks! Great info. The passenger side is definitely more complicated. I've activated the occupant sensor just by putting a moderately heavy bag on the seat. It moved at a stop light and the damn dash started chirping and flashing. Maybe I can find an EE to help me! With my luck I'd activate the airbags.

I'll look into the extender idea, but it appears that they have that somewhat restricted.

It would be nice to have a deactivation switch as some of the two door Tacomas have, or had. My guess is that the liabilities of retrofitting something like that would be a concern.

Bob

[ToyotaDon]

Do you have some overweight friends who could take it in to the dealership for you? Otherwise, give Cruiserdan a ring, he may be able to make it work.

[santacruzer]

I do have such friends, just need to find the genteel way of asking them!

[UDOR1]

If you come up with a way to make it work would you mind letting me know, I also have an 09 and it is crazy when people get in and out and that stupid warning goes off.

[santacruzer]

Will do.

Just talked to another service department at my local dealer, not where I bought the truck. They're sympathetic, but basically told me there's no way any dealer will do this disconnect. It's a liability issue for them. I grudgingly understand that, but it still frosts me that we've gone so far over the top with safety mechanisms, to the point where they are as much a nuisance as an aid in certain circumstances. Sorry, my rant for the day!

Simplest solution is likely to fab up a set of belt inserts and go with those when needed. I'm not up to messing with all those wires myself!`

[santacruzer]

Just got this info from the Tacoma World forum. Haven't tried it yet, though. Supposedly works from '08 up.

1) Turn the Car 'ON', but do not start the engine (Leave your foot off the brake). Cycle your trip reset knob until it reads ODO. Turn the ignition back off. Wait a couple of seconds.
2) Make sure seat belt is not fastened
3) Turn the ignition back on, do not start the car (Leave you foot off the break) As soon as you see everything light up, press and hold the trip reset knob and do a long 12 second count.
4) Keep your finger on the trip reset knob. Fasten your seat belt, as soon as you fasten your seat belt, you should see the ODO display go from XXXX miles to "b-on". At that time take your finger off the trip reset knob and press it again. It should cycle to "b-off". You should be all set and turn the ignition off and unfasten your seat belt.

[lukebz]

ill be the first to say, this DOES work. just did it on my 09 Taco with 124mi. good luck and thank you!!!!

[santacruzer]

The Tacoma World forum has a lot of good info. I found 'em through MUD, too!

Toyota Tacoma Forums - Tacoma World

[lukebz]

you got any other cool codes or tricks...that was fun!