gold4dsc

my mom drove my car yesterday and notice that the airbag light was flashing. the car never been in an accident what could this be?

Iron Scimitar

iTrader: (38)

I have the very same problem. not a accident or collison since i bought my car. I'd like to see the solution.

gold4dsc

i'm thinking bout taking it to the dealer and see if they know but i know it will cosr money which i'm trying to avoid giving out

maxamer

The airbag system is considered a mojor component by Nissan, and as such, is coverd by Nissan's 5 year major components warranty. Since both of you have 1998/1999 models, depending on your in warranty date, the repair may still be covered under warranty.

I had the same problem with my 98 GLE, which had an in warranty date of Sep-19-1997. My airbag light started flashing in June 2002, just a few months before the warraty was up. Nissan picked up the $Cdn 600 repair -- the driver side air bag module went bad.

BTW you can pull the ecu codes yourself to discover what the problem is.

gold4dsc

how do i know the warranty date? my car is used

maxamer

If you've have a repair bill from a Nissan dealership, even for just an oil change, the in warranty date is usually listed on it.

If not, you can take your VIN number to any Nissan dealership and they will be able to tell you the in warranty date of your car (should be no charge for this service).

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

There is a TSB for 98-99 for faulty side air bag modules. Apparently, quite a few on the org has this problem. As is the case with TSB's, coverage beyond the warrantee period is assumed not to be the case but if you contact Nissan corporate customer service, it is possible they may cover the costs out of good will. My dad is currently awaiting word to see if they will.

The dealer will charge you about $80-100 just to pull codes from the SRS system. Airbag modules cost $400 or more.

Some minor codes can be cleared by putting the SRS system in diagnostic mode: open driver's door, put key in and turn to on, press rubber door open button 5 times within 7 sec. of "on". You may see the airbag light start blinking codes and it may or may not ultimately stop. Turn key to off. Some codes require a special SRS scan tool to reset stored codes but if there is a component fault (as is the case with the aforementioned TSB) the light will return.

Iron Scimitar

iTrader: (38)

Thanks for the valuable info Mish. I'm gonna see if my Max is still under warrentee.

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

Just to update: My dad's 98 is out of warrantee but after I urged him to call Nissan's corporate number to ask them if they would cover it based on our family's Nissan loyalty and good will. Well he just got a call back today, some 3 weeks later saying that they would cover the part. Just thought some of you might do the same if your warrantee has expired and your problem is a TSB.