Seatbelts light problem ML - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 01-19-2003, 09:57 PM

Hello,
I have a slightly annoying problem on my '02 ML 320.
The seatbelt light (and associated beeping) will not go away even after i buckle my seatbelts. It will eventually go away after its standard time, but i would have expected it to turn off the light and beeping as soon as i push the buckle in. Is this normal behaviour or do i have a faulty switch in the latch that is failing to recognize that the driver is buckled in?
thanks
-ajay

Gilly · #2 01-19-2003, 10:23 PM

I'll check if no one else replys, AJay. It'll be a couple days though.

Gilly

tabo · #3 01-20-2003, 09:56 AM

get it fixed for free, no headaches =)

Gilly · #4 01-20-2003, 02:10 PM

Tabo:
The question that needs to be answered first is "is this normal or not"?

Gilly

tabo · #5 01-20-2003, 06:31 PM

Mines will beep and the light will light up if the driver don't put on the seatbelt.. if you dislike it that much you can remove the light from the instrument cluster and remove the horn. but why would anyone want to do that? its unsafe to drive without a seatbelt!
and in my city you can get a $100 ticket each person if you are caught with no seatbelt =)

Gilly · #6 01-20-2003, 06:49 PM

Tabo:
If you want to be helpful, get in, buckle the belt, then start the truck and see if the light comes on and the warning beeps.
I agree, the passengers should use the belt anyways, but I wonder too if the alarm should stop when the buckle is belted. Many people prefer to start the engine, then buckle the belt after the engine starts, evidently including Ajay.
You can't really remove the alarm, as it is integrated into the cluster, plus then you would lose the headlamp monitor and also there are other systems that warn the driver of hazards with this alarm.

Gilly

#7 01-20-2003, 08:04 PM

Gilly and Tabo :
Thanks for the replies.
As a matter of fact, I tried out the scenario you suggested Gilly. I fastened the seatbelt and then started the engine. The light came on and the truck still beeped its usual length of time. That's what leads me to suspect that it is a faulty switch. My old car (a camaro) did not behave this way.
I just wanted to know from other owners if this was indeed by design - so I dont have to take my truck into the dealership and waste their time and mine. If it is MB's idea that the truck should beep regardless then I will learn to live with it. I am not trying to circumvent the system. I am very much is favour of wearing seatbelts (being a Mech Engr who worked in large deformation simulations in the past).
I am just worried that if the truck thinks the driver is not belted in, there are implications for seatbelt deployment, belt pretensioners and the like. Also, i am afraid the tele-aid system will call my mom and my insurance company behind my back ;-)
-ajay

tabo · #8 01-21-2003, 03:39 AM

17 beeps, I tried it twice.. I stops beeping after 17 beeps even thou I didn't put my seat belt on..

Lewis · #9 01-21-2003, 01:27 PM

My 99 doesn't beep if I start it with the belt buckled and will stop beeping immediately if I start first and then plug in the belt. If I don't buclke it, it will stop after beeping a while. Tabo's 17 beeps sound about right for mine too.

Gilly · #10 01-21-2003, 07:56 PM

Good news Ajay:
There is a bulletin out for this exact problem for 2002 ML's.
You need to have this campaign done: 2002-09003. see your dealer. It just needs some programming changed in the instrument cluster.

Gilly

#11 01-21-2003, 08:33 PM

Gilly,
Thanks for checking this out for me. I really appreciate your taking the time.
I will go see my dealer next week.
Thanks Lewis and Tabo also.
Happy Motoring.
-ajay

Gilly · #12 01-21-2003, 08:47 PM

I should also mention that campaign notice was issued Sept 2002. Be sure to quote that campaign #2002-090003, it'll make it easy for them to find it.

Gilly