I studied electronics to work on my guitar amps. For the record you can't measure electrical components (capacitors, resistors) while they are attached in circuit. You have to remove them and measure them individually. You will never get a correct reading while the component is soldered in place in the circuit. It's a pain but that's the way it is.

So can anyone clarify my issue. I first tried with 4.7m ohm with 5% and 1/2 watt. Then switched to 1/4 watt as the link in the post to vectorsurplus.com. Then I realized I needed the weight sensor to make this entire thing work so tore up my seat to get it. Now though it still wont go away. Does anyone with 1/4 watt resistor have this working or must it be 1/2 watt?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0185FDGXE/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ADMLT54/

You have the wrong resistors. You need 4.7 ohm resistors. The 4.7 Mohm resistors you have won't work.

Ok but does 1/2 watt vs 1/4 watt matter. The initial post state 1/2 but the link posted has 1/4.

For everyone elses information. The color code I believe is Yellow, Violet, Gold Gold for the proper resistor. Third order of resistors a charm!


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As long as the resistor rating is equal to or greater than the called-for value, you are OK. Ie, if a 1/4W resistor is specified, a 1/2W (or even a 10W) will do the job. The wattage rating is just how much power the resistor can safely dissipate.

There are MANY resistor color code charts on the Intertubes but this usually works for me - Bad Boys Rape Our Young Girls But Violet Gave Willingly

Best mnemonic device I've ever seen for resistor color codes. :tup:

The way I learned it (back in the '60s), the first word was the same as the color it represents. I've been told that is not very PC nowadays. ;)

Thought about the weight sensor. What about removing it, rolling it around a steel tube or something like that, and using zip ties to hold it around the tube and to apply the 80lbs of pressure needed, then let it hang out behind the seat? Would that work in theory?

hmmmmmm Sounds like it would be worth a try - it's non-destructive, cheap, and easy. IIRC, the sensor looks for X number of "bubble" switches to be made before issuing an OK, so it may take many zip ties.

I have MANY zip ties. I'll give this a shot when I install my seats

OK, so I believe I have the right ones now but still no luck. I have weight sensor connected as well.

Here are the ones I ordered
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D0GET4S

Also does it matter which wire connects to which side of the resistor? Or my resistor must be bad ones then? What tool do you need to test the resistor. Sorry guys I am a newbie when it comes to these resistors.

If you have the sensor and the resistor connected at the same time, the car is seeing ~2.4 ohms, instead of the required 4.7.

Resistors are not polarized.

Resistors seldom fail - unless you run too much current through them and that will usually cause discoloration from the heat.

Ohms are measured with an ohmmeter. You can find VOMs (volt-ohm-milliammeter combo, AKA multimeter) at most auto parts stores.

Glad I saw this. So for the passenger side I'm going to have to wire two resistors in series correct?

I don't think it will work. No matter what the resistance of the resistor (or two resistors in series), if placed in parallel with the sensor the total resistance will be less than the smallest resistor. If placed in series with the sensor, total resistance will be the sum of the resistors + resistance of sensor.

Wait I'm confused now. If I have a resistor in line on the passenger side, and have the sensor connected (and somehow get it to function) does this matter?