Melwill68

I'm trying to trouble shoot a problem with the center console seat belt lamp. The GM wiring diagrams do not include the assembly. All I can tell is that the hot side is tied into the fuel gauge wiring and ground is made to the console itself. Does anyone have a diagram or schematic showing how the device operates?

Thanks,
Mel

7T1vette

Well, get ready to experience a Homer Simpson moment (you know, "Doohhh!!!"). The seat belt light is a 'passive' system--it does not operate from any switch in the seat. The requirement for the seat belt light was edicted by the Feds after GM had engineered the car. So, they asked if they could just have the light come on when the car is started as a 'reminder' for their drivers. The Feds agreed and GM put in the light....with a "PUSH" button below the light to turn it off!! Sorry, that's the way it works. {Later year cars were modified to be an 'active' system with seat switches.}

Bill Curlee

Thats just RETARDED!!! Someone needs there *** beat! Wheres that friggen engineer???

BC

Melwill68

I realize it's a passive system. I'm just looking for a wiring diagram showing how it ties in with the gauge cluster.

7T1vette

Well, as you have probably already noted, there is no detail on that seat belt switch/light being in the GM/Corvette electrical schematic. Someone would have to be inside their gauge cluster to see how it is wired (wiring colors and 'from where-to where'). I can tell you that the push-button switch is the critical component in that circuit. It has a built-in little solenoid/switch which acts as a "momentary OFF" switch. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, there is no power available to the PUSH switch/solenoid; thus, the solenoid is released in the ON position so that the ground for the seat belt light is made. However, no power is coming from the ignition switch so the light is OFF. When the ignition switch is turned ON, power is sent to the light, and since the ground is already made through the switch, the seat belt 'warning' light comes ON. When the PUSH button is depressed, the internal solenoid is connected and that breaks the ground connection, so the light goes out. And, as long as the power to that switch stays connected, the light remains out. So I am assuming (sometimes dangerous) that a 'switched power' wire [probably yellow] is connected to one side of the warning lamp with the other side [probably black or striped black] connected to one side of the PUSH switch. The other side of the PUSH switch should be black and connected to gauge bezel ground.