How to Bypass (Trick) Seat Belt Switch

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JMod45

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I've tried finding information about how to bypass the seatbelt switch in our trucks. The only information I have found is to get an extender, and leave it plugged in all of the time.
You can disable the beeping with a manual process, or by using AlfaOBD. I have the beeping turned off, but the EVIC constantly flashing on and off when I'm idling across a field at 4-5 mph is really annoying.

I found a wiring diagram online, which shows the two wires going to the seatbelt switch. One is a signal, other is a ground, so do not try to bypass the wires like the older days, it will just throw codes.
I tried measuring resistance across the switch between buckled and unbuckled, but did not have any luck, so I'm guessing it is something on the CANBUS system, which I do not yet understand.

That left me with another choice, trick the sensor.

** DISCLAIMER: This bypasses a safety on your vehicle. If done correctly, this will not make any changes to the physical operation of the seatbelt, but only do this at your own risk. **

For starters, remove the seat belt buckle. This requires a T50 Driver, and possibly removing parts to get to the bolt. In my case, I unbolted the seat.

Next, slide the plastic sheath down, and pop the plastic cover off of the buckle. The plastic cover looked to be glued in a couple of spots. I ended up taping it back together with electrical tape, which is hidden under the plastic sheath.
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20210911_082531.jpg * This picture was taken after the sensor was removed

You will then have to remove the switch from the buckle. The switch appears to be put in before the buckle is riveted together, so unless you are lucky/skilled, you may have to break off the tabs.
I also unwrapped the wire, so I could leave it under the seat.

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This sensor is controlled by a tiny magnet on the side of the buckle release spring mechanism (thingy)
I had some small magnets my wife had used for some art project in the past.
If you take a magnet, and touch it to the inner side of the sensor, it thinks the belt is buckled.

20210911_082232.jpg 20210911_082258.jpg

An interesting note: It only appeared to work one direction. If I turned the magnet over, the light came back on.

Next, I wrapped the assembly in electrical tape, then re-bolted the belt buckle to the seat, and seat to the truck.
20210911_082434.jpg

Since I pulled the wire completely out of the buckle assembly, I was able to place the wired directly under the seat, and since it is now magnetized, It sticks to the bracket.
20210911_083820.jpg

I ended up putting it on top of the bracket, so the magnet isn't fighting gravity. Leaving it here also makes it easier to reach if I ever have a problem and have to further modify.

No more light:
20210911_082451.jpg

I did not realize the sensor responded to a magnet until I already had everything apart. I suspect there is a possibility that a powerful magnet placed outside the buckle could do this as well, but did not get to test the theory.
 

No Tyme

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I have used extenders in my last 3 trucks as I often start driving and hook my seat belts while moving. It is also easier to make the connection with an extender. I do use mine all the time, as for me better safe than sorry. Never hear a sound with the extenders in place.
 

duckman631

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I found a trick on here that worked for me..

1. sitting in the truck buckle the seat belt.
2. turn on ignition without starting the truck.
3. wait for the seatbelt light to go off on the EVIC
4. with in 10 seconds, unbuckle, rebuckle 3 times. leaving the seat belt buckled the third time.
5. Turn off ignition. you should hear a chime confiring the change.
 

chopperman1

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I'm guessing the sensor itself has a magnet in it and is attracted to the metal in the buckle. This would explain why your magnet only worked in one direction. Since you already have yours apart, how about trying just a steel washer on it?
 

crash68

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I have used extenders in my last 3 trucks as I often start driving and hook my seat belts while moving.
this exactly^^^

I'll give the OP credit for figuring out how to bypass the seatbelt buckle sensor but looks like a bit of grief and you end up with a partially broken seatbelt buckle.
A 3"' rigid seatbelt extender that costs $20(free shipping too), a much simpler solution that doesn't break the buckle assembly.

 

chris1126

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i gotta ask, why not just wear the seatbelt?
 

Graygoose

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I found a trick on here that worked for me..

1. sitting in the truck buckle the seat belt.
2. turn on ignition without starting the truck.
3. wait for the seatbelt light to go off on the EVIC
4. with in 10 seconds, unbuckle, rebuckle 3 times. leaving the seat belt buckled the third time.
5. Turn off ignition. you should hear a chime confiring the change.
what Ive always done.
 

Bmags

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Just an update for this thread. I ended up doing some testing and I found that a 550 ohm resistor across the two connector terminals will make the truck think the seatbelt is always connected.

I cut my seatbelt wire and soldered across it. I tried several values before finding this one that worked.
 

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GTyankee

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Can't you just connect the belt & then sit in the seat ?

My BiL & i just had to go down a very narrow dirt road to go from his house to the boat repair shop on the river.
He knew the road so he was driving

We listened to the darn chime & the branches rubbing against the Ram all the way.
He did not want to stop & fasten it, because the boat shop was about to close & he needed the boat to make his wine run on the river, from Upper Dam to Lower Dam
 

Bmags

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You could, but that’s more hassle. I frequently back up my trailers, and for instance backing up to even connect to the trailer normally takes a few cycles of getting out, checking, moving back another inch, checking, etc…

I would rather hop in and go, instead of connecting the seatbelt, then sitting on it, and eventually un clipping it to wear it the next trip
 

Plainbroke

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I made a hard plastic duplicate of the end of the seatbelt and just clicked it in the seatbelt. no more lights dings or hassling with the belt. Took all of maybe 5 minutes most of that was finding a suitable piece of plastic to cut up. used tin snips to cut it out a drill bit for the hole than a knife to make the hole the correct size for the latch pin inside the seatbelt latch. Easy and affordable.
 

Dean2

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For 10 bucks you can get two seat belt extenders from Amazon. I leave them installed permanently. Way less hassle that taking stuff apart and adding magnets or resistors, plus, easy to put the truck back to stock if you want to sell.

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