My seat belt light seems to come on and off at random. I unscrewed the trim and plugged out the wire running to the retractor. It still comes and goes randomly.
Anyone have an idea what is going on? Is it trying to tell me something else? There are no other electronic gremlins
I have an 88 firebird formula 305tbi auto.

 

The module in this diagram* may be going faulty. Or there could be an issue with the wire that connects to the seat belt switch rubbing somewhere on some grounded metal. If you can't find out why and want to disable it, simply unplug the "Audio Alarm Assembly" module from the not so convenient to get to "Convenience Center" (located under the dash, just above the "ALDL" connector). Be aware that unplugging this will not only disable the seat belt audible warning and light, it will also disable the key in ignition / lights on audible warnings as well.

* The diagram is for 1992, but I believe it's the same as your 1988.....

 

Thanks, I'll check that black wire for a short. If that doesn't do it I might just pull the bulb. At least once it's nothing serious I can ignore it.

 

You can get to the '88 Firebird wiring diagrams by downloading the service manual in this thread,

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ce-manual.html

It probably has troubleshooting procedures too.

 

Just posting back in this as I am convinced my seat belt light somehow is also telling me something about the transmission. I had a leak from the TV cable on my trans and when the level got low the light would come on. One time I put in a bit too much atf and the light came on. With the correct amount no light. Leak is gone now and everything is fine.

 

The Seat Belt light is in no way connected to the transmission...

 

I know, it's the craziest thing.

 

I know this is an old thread, but is there any fix to this other than pulling the bulb? My light comes on randomly while driving, just the light, no chime. Is there a sensor in the buckle? I've tried wiggling it around but it doesn't have any effect.

 

​​​​​​​Yes. In the stationary side.

 

I was thinking it was on the latch side.

Anyways, I removed the seatbelt assembly and sure enough the black wire was disconnected. Apparently the body shop did it while painting my jambs, and never bothered to hook it back up. Still odd the way the light was random though, and not constantly on.

 

Meant to reply earlier. Mine was plugged in and still lit up randomly. Plugging it out didn't help. Instead of ripping up the dash, you can unplug one of the wires from the connector that goes from the convince centre to the bulb. It's the yellow wire I'm sure. Let me know if you need more help

 

I haven't driven mine yet since I plugged it back in, so it's possible it didn't fix it. I may try blowing some compressed air on that convenience center block, maybe spray some contact cleaner in it, just in case it's full of dust and grime. Probably be Sunday before I get a chance to drive the car again.

 

Well it didn't fix mine, so I guess I'll be pulling the bulb.

 

Pull the yellow wire, it's easier to get to than the bulb

 

I have the opposite problem. My Seat Belt light never comes on...

 

Could be as simple as a burned out bulb.


Mine comes on going down the highway, might stay on 5 or 10 seconds, then go off. A few miles down the road, same thing again.