Hyundai Santa FeDavid Dewhurst
You would think I should be used to the beeps that my Santa Fe produces, since I bought the car new. But I am not. It seems that everything from opening doors, or releasing seat belts even when stopped, etc. produces a series of annoying beeps. Example: I pull up to an ATM and need to release the seat belt for a minute to reach the key pad. The car is in park and yet the beeps start immediately. My dealer says they cannot be turned off. Can they? – L.D. in Lethbridge, Alta.
No, they cannot – either legally or without a great deal of trouble.
These warning sounds are safety features mandated by Transport Canada. Disabling them would contravene those regulations so you won't find a dealer willing to do so.
The beeps you refer to specifically are tied to sensors in the seat bottoms, which advise the central system that an occupant is seated. With that knowledge, it knows the belts should be fastened – when the ignition is activated. If a door is open or the belt undone, a warning will sound.
If it is necessary to remove, as opposed to loosen, the belt at an ATM, you might try shutting off the ignition for that brief period. There is a movement afoot nationally to encourage people to shut off their engine when sitting in line so you could also think of this as an environmental contribution on your part. Don't worry about the engine restarting. Modern electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems make that all but a certainty.
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