Airbag Indicator Light

[slimhall]

I took my 2000 montana into the shop for a diagnosis on the airbag indicator light. They told me that I would need to replace the passenger seatbelt in the front seat. They told me that the sensor in the seatbelt buckle was bad. Any thoughts on this? Could it be something else? Will it affect airbag deployment and seat belt functionality? Thanks for the help.

Slim

[GTP Dad]

If the airbag light is on it can prevent deployment of the bags in an accident. I know there are sensor under some of the front seats on vehicles with air bags that do not activate unless the system senses a body in the seat. However, I don't know if there are sensors in the seatbelts, although anything is possible. If they scanned the vehicle with an airbag capable scanner and that is what the scanner indicated than have the seatbelt replaced. Not that expensive to do.

[markqc]

Check the connector under the seat for a loose connection. Seems to be pretty common. Especially if you move the seat back and forth often. Just wiggle the conector a little to see if the light goes out.

Good Luck,
Mark

[slimhall]

Originally Posted by markqc

Check the connector under the seat for a loose connection. Seems to be pretty common. Especially if you move the seat back and forth often. Just wiggle the conector a little to see if the light goes out.

Good Luck,
Mark

What does the connector look like? Thanks for the advice.

[koolman200]

Can someone please describe what the connector looks like. I have the same issue. I tried pressing the horn few times, as on one occasion that had done the work, but not anymore.

[catesja]

Have you seen this recall? I would take it in and see if they will replace it for free based on the recall.

File Date 8/22/2000
Mfr. Involved GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NHTSA Campaign # 00V228003
Mfr. Campaign # 00067
Component Affected SEAT BELTS
# Vehicles Affected 156305
Defect VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Corrective Action DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.