Possible to disable seat belt warning alarm?

FMVSS No. 208 only requires a seat belt warning system for the driver’s seating position. There is no requirement for an audible or visual warning signal that applies to the front passenger seating positions. Therefore from a federal standpoint, there is no legal bar to the modification of the passenger seat warning system.

The attachment from the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations, the law when it comes to these things), said:

S7.3 (a) A seat belt assembly provided at the driver's seating position shall be equipped with a warning system that, at the option of the manufacturer, either—
(1) Activates a continuous or intermittent audible signal for a period of not less than 4 seconds and not more than 8 seconds and that activates a continuous or flashing warning light visible to the driver displaying the identifying symbol for the seat belt telltale shown in Table 2 of FMVSS 101 or, at the option of the manufacturer if permitted by FMVSS 101, displaying the words “Fasten Seat Belts” or “Fasten Belts”, for not less than 60 seconds (beginning when the vehicle ignition switch is moved to the “on” or the “start” position) when condition (b) exists simultaneously with condition (c) , or that
(2) Activates, for a period of not less than 4 seconds and not more than 8 seconds (beginning when the vehicle ignition switch is moved to the “on” or the “start” position), a continuous or flashing warning light visible to the driver, displaying the identifying symbol of the seat belt telltale shown in Table 2 of FMVSS 101 or, at the option of the manufacturer if permitted by FMVSS 101, displaying the words “Fasten Seat Belts” or “Fasten Belts”, when condition (b) exists, and a continuous or intermittent audible signal when condition (b) exists simultaneously with condition (c).
(b) The vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the “on” position or to the “start” position.
(c) The driver's lap belt is not in use, as determined, at the option of the manufacturer, either by the belt latch mechanism not being fastened, or by the belt not being extended at least 4 inches from its stowed position.

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drchu said:

There there a diagnostic tool available that will allow me to disable the seat belt warning alarm? I had a passat previously and there was a VAG-COM device that allowed me to modify certain settings on the car. Thanks

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Wyovenza said:

I have not been very smart about wearing a seat belt. My primary ride is a GMC pickup and I {my bad} do not often wear the belt around town. However the alarm on the Venza is so loud, insistant and irritating that I automatically hook up the seat belt when I get in, just to shut the darn thing up. I sure do wonder why they have such a loud, insistant and irritating alarm in the Venza. Wyovenza

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robertag said:

Wyovenza, you just answered your own question. They make it loud so that you'll wear you seatbelt just to shut it up.
FWIW, if you're patient enough, it will eventually shut-up even if you don't wear the seatbelt. Takes about 30 seconds.

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Wyovenza said:

I am not sure what FWIW means but FYI-- I was being facetious. Wyovenza

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Wyovenza said:

:gossip: Robertag.. I was joking, I fully understand why they have such a good alarm on the Venza. I was comparing it to the poor one on my GMC and how it does not make me put on my belt. I am not sure what FWIW means but FYI-- I was being facetious. Wyovenza

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jbollt said:

FWIW= For What It's Worth.

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Wyovenza said:

jbolt.. Thanks a lot, I really did not know what FWIW meant. :whatthe: I do not text which is where I assume everyone learns these things. Ya learn something everyday. Much obliged! Wyovenza

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