door ajar, auto seat belt - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

88littlescort · 04-06-2012, 19:38

I have an 88 escort that im having problems with the automatic seat belt. The seat belt is stuck forward in the door open position and the door ajar light is on. The problem is only on the driver side, but the motor is getting power and works. I manually put the seat belt back into the door closed position and as soon as i turned the key it went right back forward. Is there a seperate switch to control the seat belt? or bad relay? I have tried to figure it out with no luck so any suggestiosn would be helpful thanks.

**Bert** · 04-06-2012, 19:53

It's probably the switch in the door. Try spraying WD40 in the door latch and open and close the door a few times.

Have you checked both of the fuses? They're called Belt and meter in the fuse box. If that doesn't help, here's the info from the shop manual. I can also post the wiring diagrams.

How The Circuit Works

Voltage is present at pins A and B, C378, of the Passive Restraint Module at all times through the BELT Fuse.

With the Ignition Switch in START or RUN, voltage is also present at pin C, C379, of the Module through the METER Fuse.

With the passive seat belts attached to the transport buckles, the Passive Belt Spool Switches are closed, grounding pin O, C378, and pin B, C379, of the Passive Restraint Module.

Belting In
When the driver opens the door and enters the vehicle, the belt transport is front at the "A" Pillar and the Left Front Limit Switch is closed, grounding pin F (5), C378, of the Module. The Left Front Door Latch Switch is also closed, grounding pin D (13), C379, of the Module. The Left Rear Limit Switch is open, since the belt transport is front at the "A" Pillar. With these inputs there is no transport movement.

When the driver closes the door, the Left Front Door Latch opens. There is still no transport movement.

As soon as the driver turns the Ignition Switch to START or RUN, the Passive Restraint Module checks that the Left Rear Limit Switch is open. The Passive Restraint Module powers the Left Passive Restraint Motor to move the belt transport to the rear, belting in the driver. When the transport reaches the end of its track, the Left Rear Limit Switch closes, grounding pin E (18), C378, of the Module. The Module shuts off power to the Left Passive Restraint Motor and the Motor (and the belt transport) stops.

If the driver opens the door with the Ignition Switch in RUN, the Passive Restraint Module checks that the Left Front Limit Switch is open. The Passive Restraint Module powers the Left Passive Restraint Motor to move the transport forward to unbelt the driver. When the door closes, the transport moves rearward again, belting in the driver.

Unbelting
When the driver turns the Ignition Switch from RUN to LOCK, voltage is removed from pin C (25), C379, of the Passive Restraint Module. There is no transport movement.

When the driver opens the door to exit the vehicle, the Left Front Door Latch Switch closes, grounding pin D (13), C379, of the Module. The Passive Restraint Module powers the Left Passive Restraint Motor to move the belt transport forward, unbelting the driver. When the transport reaches the end of its track, the Left Front Limit Switch closes, grounding pin F (5), C378, of the Module. The Module shuts off power to the Left Passive Restraint Motor and the Motor (and the belt transport) stops.

When the driver closes the door, the Left Front Door Latch opens, but there is no transport movement. The system is ready for another cycle.

If a passive seat belt is detached from its transport buckle and retracted, the Passive Belt Spool Switch for that belt opens, ungrounding pin O (15), C378, or pin B (14), C379, of the Passive Restraint Module. With the Ignition Switch in START or RUN and the door closed, the Fasten Belts Indicator and Warning Chime are activated by the Passive Restraint Module. The Indicator stays illuminated until the belt is attached to the transport, but the Warning Chime stops sounding after about 5 seconds. The Fasten Belts Indicator will also be activated if both Rear Limit switches are grounded with the Ignition Switch in START or RUN.

88littlescort · 04-07-2012, 08:58

Are u talking about the fuse box underneath the steering wheel? i did not see any labeled like that but i will recheck. Also does the door switch have two terminals (seat belt and dome light)? the switch still turns the dome light on and off but does nothing to the seat belt. i will spray and clean the latches also. Thanks Bert your the first person ive found that has had any help, 3 forums later

and if you have the wiring diagram i wouldnt mind taking a look at it thanks again.

**Bert** · 04-07-2012, 09:35

The manual has 2 showing so you'll have to find which one matches yours.

88littlescort · 04-07-2012, 21:57

Ok im going to rack your brain since you seem to have plenty of knowledge. where would the passive restraint module be at? i do know electronics so i can do some troubleshooting once i know where its at. thanks

**Bert** · 04-08-2012, 08:36

Center of dash.

88littlescort · 04-09-2012, 07:01

Another quick question and then i should be able to have everything fixed and figured out. Where would the door ajar switch be? is it the same as the door switch itself? or is it part of the door latch? Also, the manual you are using is it chiltons? because i have a haynes manual for it but doesnt tell me near the information that i need, just so i know what manual to get for future cars. thanks again you have been alot of help really.