72 seatbelt warning system
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
72 seatbelt warning system
I'm trying to get the seatbelt warning system on my 72 (vert/auto/base engine) working again, and it doesn't seem to want to work.
From the image below, you can see it's a very simple system.
A little info:
1) My keybuzzer has never 'buzzed'. I've replaced the keybuzzer, and am assuming that the problem is with the key switch in the column. I found a thread linking a paper by Jim Shea on how to test if the problem is in the column, so I will test that later tonight.
2) I think it's about impossible to get decent 72/73 retractors with the right connectors, so I got a couple of receivers from a 74 (they moved the switch from the retractors to the receivers in 74), and am using them. The connectors were different, so I cut connectors off the '74 receivers, and attached small blade terminals that will fit in the 72 harness (this way the 72 harness is still intact, just in case some 72 retractors show up sometime down the road).
So... does anyone know if a defective key switch would make the seatbelt warning system inoperable? Also, I didn't think that if the connectors were in the wrong terminal it would make a difference - wouldn't it just be reversed? IE. say seatbelt connected when it wasn't?
Thanks,
Matt
From the image below, you can see it's a very simple system.
A little info:
1) My keybuzzer has never 'buzzed'. I've replaced the keybuzzer, and am assuming that the problem is with the key switch in the column. I found a thread linking a paper by Jim Shea on how to test if the problem is in the column, so I will test that later tonight.
2) I think it's about impossible to get decent 72/73 retractors with the right connectors, so I got a couple of receivers from a 74 (they moved the switch from the retractors to the receivers in 74), and am using them. The connectors were different, so I cut connectors off the '74 receivers, and attached small blade terminals that will fit in the 72 harness (this way the 72 harness is still intact, just in case some 72 retractors show up sometime down the road).
So... does anyone know if a defective key switch would make the seatbelt warning system inoperable? Also, I didn't think that if the connectors were in the wrong terminal it would make a difference - wouldn't it just be reversed? IE. say seatbelt connected when it wasn't?
Thanks,
Matt
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
I could be wrong, but I don't think the seatbelt "warning" system was integral with the seatbelts until '73 or '74. I have a '71, and it only has the "push to turn OFF" warning lamp indicator on the gauge panel. It is not electrically connected to the belts or retractors. I thought the '72 system was the same.
If it is the same as mine, the "SEATBELT" light comes on when you turn the ignition ON. And it stays on until you push the "PUSH" button underneath the light. Then it stays OFF until you start the car again. It was only meant as a 'reminder' feature--it did not prevent the car from starting if belts were not used.
If it is the same as mine, the "SEATBELT" light comes on when you turn the ignition ON. And it stays on until you push the "PUSH" button underneath the light. Then it stays OFF until you start the car again. It was only meant as a 'reminder' feature--it did not prevent the car from starting if belts were not used.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Actually, in 72 there were 2 different systems.
Very early 72's had a very simple timer system. The light came on, and after a certain amount of time, the light went off.
Later 72's had the same system a 73's. it consisted of 3 seperate switches. Two were attached to the lap belt retractors, and the third was a switch under the passenger seat that would activate with about 30 lbs in the seat. The system required that the driver seatbelt be engaged in the retractor, and if the passenger wieght sensor was activated, then the passenger retractor needed to be engaged. If these conditions were not met, then the light would turn on, and the buzzer would 'buzz'.
Thanks,
Matt
Very early 72's had a very simple timer system. The light came on, and after a certain amount of time, the light went off.
Later 72's had the same system a 73's. it consisted of 3 seperate switches. Two were attached to the lap belt retractors, and the third was a switch under the passenger seat that would activate with about 30 lbs in the seat. The system required that the driver seatbelt be engaged in the retractor, and if the passenger wieght sensor was activated, then the passenger retractor needed to be engaged. If these conditions were not met, then the light would turn on, and the buzzer would 'buzz'.
Thanks,
Matt
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Thanks for 'setting me straight'. I was unaware of a "late" '72 change to the seatbelt system. So, '73 would have been the first full year of production. Anyway, the OP can dig into that system...assuming it's a 'late' '72 vehicle.
