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Why is my seat belt light flashing when it’s buckled?

I have a relatively new car that’s been acting up lately, and I’m not sure why. Over the last few weeks, the seat belt light has been flashing when it’s buckled, but there’s no ringing. Why is this happening?

avatar
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That would concern most drivers! The seat belt light flashing when it’s buckled may be due to a faulty buckle. But it can also be due to normal wear and tear, food crumbs, or other debris stuck in the buckle slot that can lead to sensor issues. In any case, don’t ignore it.
First, check that the seat belt is actually fastened. Sometimes the buckle isn’t securely fastened into the clip, so the light stays illuminated. Generally speaking, if you’re in the vehicle and the seat belt isn’t secured, the indicator light will pop up on the dash, along with a chiming noise that won’t stop until you’re buckled in.
Alternatively, if the light stays on even when the seat belt is fastened, it could be a problem with the seat belt switch or connector that sends a signal to the car.
Here are a few things to try:
  • Clean out the belt buckle
  • Disconnect and connect the buckle a few times
  • Replace the buckle in its entirety
Seat belts are a critical component of vehicle safety and must work correctly. It’s also essential to have quality
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