General Question

asmonet's avatar

My car's "belt's" light came on today, what could that mean?

Asked by asmonet (21455points) September 22nd, 2008

I drive a 1996 Mazda Protege LX. Sometimes the engine belts squeal like a pissed off piggy when I turn it on, the a/c compressor is a dud but basically it’s fine. Today halfway through my two mile drive to work the red ‘BELTS’ light came on with the little picture of a passenger, sometimes it goes away particularly when I shift my safety belt. I tugged on the belt to make sure it still locks up when pulled, it does. Other than the light I have noticed no significant changes. Any ideas on what it is? How much I should pay to get it checked or how much to get it fixed? Is it very dangerous? I’m a complete damsel in distress when it comes to things that go vroom.

(I know the a/c and engine belts probably have nothing to do with it, just trying to be thorough.)

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16 Answers

marinelife's avatar

Did you look in yourr car’s manual about what that indicator light is for?

asmonet's avatar

I don’t have the manual didn’t come with the car, and I can’t find one online, not without paying, and being young and broke isn’t helping me. :)

loser's avatar

It’s time for a belt?

asmonet's avatar

The engine belts are new, I’m relatively certain it’s referring to my safety belt as when I move about in the car while wearing it the light flickers on and off. Not to mention it has a picture of a little man strapped in.

marinelife's avatar

Either the sensor is faulty (more likely) or your seat belt is not functioning (shoulad have that checked).

jballou's avatar

I would assume it’s simply a short in the seat belt indicator somewhere. I’ve never heard of a car (especially not a 96) that had an indicator for the belts in the engine.

CameraObscura's avatar

Seatbelts carry a lifetime warranty, so Mazda is always liable for any issues you have as far as maintaining your safety is concerned.

This sounds like it could be a simple electrical issue which may not be covered unless you’re particularly persuasive.

CameraObscura's avatar

Oh, your seatbelt sensor is most likely located underneath your seat. Should be a couple wires running from the carpet to the bottom of the seat with a plastic connector. Unplug it, make sure the connection is tight and try scrubbing it with a toothbrush and a little isopropynol to clean out any grime.

asmonet's avatar

I didn’t know that about seatbelt warranties, is that with any make of car like a law?
I just cleaned my car and had to tug some items out from under my seat, considering what you’ve told me, I’m pretty sure I did this to myself. Tomorrow morning I’ll definitely double check all that. I guess I knocked it loose?

trust me, im a young redhead, with boobs, so long as i dont get the one chick working at a car place i can flirt my way through a negotiation, may not be right, but it works

ninjaxmarc's avatar

lifetime warranty on safety belts.
Take it to the dealer just for that.

CameraObscura's avatar

*isopropyl

Yes, as far as I know, there has always been a lifetime warranty on seatbelts. Let us know what happens.

asmonet's avatar

Thanks everyone, the sensor was loose just as CameraObscura suggested. Thank you all, my car is once again chugging along happily.

weaselope's avatar

It means you need a good, stiff belt. Preferably whiskey. Avoid the cheap stuff, go straight for the Makers Mark.

asmonet's avatar

Was that helpful in any way?

walterallenhaxton's avatar

Did you reset the computer when you installed the new belt. Obviously it does not know that it is new. I am clueless how it could tell about your belts unless it is on a millage timer. If it is it should go away. What does the repair manual have to say about it?

asmonet's avatar

@walterallenhaxton: If you look a few posts above yours, you’ll see the problem was the wiring being knocked loose under the seat when I cleaned my car. I pushed it back together and it was all better. But thanks for offering the help. :)

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