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Midnight R · 10-17-2013, 11:56 AM

I had the same issue recently, if yours is the same, the SRS should be throwing you the 9-3 code. If you buckle and unbuckle your seat belt and the seat belt light stays off once in a while you know for sure the buckle sensor is dirty.

I did a simple DIY fix that might solve your problem.

First, you need to obtain a t10 torx security bit (the torx bit with the centre removed). Princess Auto has a complete set of security bit for 3.99 on sale atm. Second you will need some electrical contact cleaner, aslo on sale Princess Auto atm (sale ends Oct. 20). Third you will need small precision scissors or a hobby knife. An air compressor or a can of compressed air is handy as well but not required. Once you have these three items you can start the DIY.

1. Use the t10 Torx security bit to remove the 2 screws on the seat belt buckle. If you are leaning in from the driver's side facing the passenger side you should see the 2 screws near the bottom of the buckle. The buckle exterior is comprised of 2 pieces, the first piece comes right off, the second piece slides up to be removed. Be careful when sliding the second piece out as you do not want to accidentally disassemble the buckle release (a PITA to reassemble, as I've been told).

2. Once the insides are exposed, you should be able to locate the actual switch on the left side of the unit. The switch is comprised of a small metal flap that is pushed down when the seatbelt is inserted. When this flap is pushed down it activates the switch. This switch gets dirty and throws the error code. This is where the air compressor or compressed air comes in handy. Blow the air onto the insides and remove as much dust as possible. Use your lungs if you don't a compressor or compressed air.

3. The little switch that gets pushed down by the metal flap has a rubber boot around it to help keep dust out of the inside of the switch. Use the precision scissors or hobby knife to cut the boot slightly but do not completely remove the boot. Make a cut big enough so the spray from the contact cleaner straw can get in. Be extra careful here, you don't what to damage the switch here, just cut the little boot.

4. Spray the contact cleaner using the straw (little red straw comes with cleaner) into the cut you just made and push metal flap 5-10 times. repeat 5-10 times.

5. Reset the SRS light.

6. If it worked, the SRS light will stay off and you can enjoy your dash again. If the light comes back on after a second or two the cleaning was unsuccessful. Try again or time for a new buckle. If the light comes back on in the future redo the process. Once confirmed working (or not) reassemble buckle. Remember to take extra care around the red buckle release.

Let me know if you need pictures. You shouldn't but if it helps, I can.

DISCLAIMER
By reading this DIY you assume all risks associated with using the DIY, with a full understanding that you, solely, are responsible for anything that may occur as a result of putting this information into action in any way, and regardless of your interpretation of the advice

10-17-2013, 11:56 AM	#7
Midnight R NEWBIE ACCOUNT! Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 17 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Failed 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had the same issue recently, if yours is the same, the SRS should be throwing you the 9-3 code. If you buckle and unbuckle your seat belt and the seat belt light stays off once in a while you know for sure the buckle sensor is dirty. I did a simple DIY fix that might solve your problem. First, you need to obtain a t10 torx security bit (the torx bit with the centre removed). Princess Auto has a complete set of security bit for 3.99 on sale atm. Second you will need some electrical contact cleaner, aslo on sale Princess Auto atm (sale ends Oct. 20). Third you will need small precision scissors or a hobby knife. An air compressor or a can of compressed air is handy as well but not required. Once you have these three items you can start the DIY. 1. Use the t10 Torx security bit to remove the 2 screws on the seat belt buckle. If you are leaning in from the driver's side facing the passenger side you should see the 2 screws near the bottom of the buckle. The buckle exterior is comprised of 2 pieces, the first piece comes right off, the second piece slides up to be removed. Be careful when sliding the second piece out as you do not want to accidentally disassemble the buckle release (a PITA to reassemble, as I've been told). 2. Once the insides are exposed, you should be able to locate the actual switch on the left side of the unit. The switch is comprised of a small metal flap that is pushed down when the seatbelt is inserted. When this flap is pushed down it activates the switch. This switch gets dirty and throws the error code. This is where the air compressor or compressed air comes in handy. Blow the air onto the insides and remove as much dust as possible. Use your lungs if you don't a compressor or compressed air. 3. The little switch that gets pushed down by the metal flap has a rubber boot around it to help keep dust out of the inside of the switch. Use the precision scissors or hobby knife to cut the boot slightly but do not completely remove the boot. Make a cut big enough so the spray from the contact cleaner straw can get in. Be extra careful here, you don't what to damage the switch here, just cut the little boot. 4. Spray the contact cleaner using the straw (little red straw comes with cleaner) into the cut you just made and push metal flap 5-10 times. repeat 5-10 times. 5. Reset the SRS light. 6. If it worked, the SRS light will stay off and you can enjoy your dash again. If the light comes back on after a second or two the cleaning was unsuccessful. Try again or time for a new buckle. If the light comes back on in the future redo the process. Once confirmed working (or not) reassemble buckle. Remember to take extra care around the red buckle release. Let me know if you need pictures. You shouldn't but if it helps, I can. DISCLAIMER By reading this DIY you assume all risks associated with using the DIY, with a full understanding that you, solely, are responsible for anything that may occur as a result of putting this information into action in any way, and regardless of your interpretation of the advice Last edited by Midnight R; 10-17-2013 at 05:27 PM.