I have a 98 SE with side airbags. My airbag light has been blinking for quite some time now. I've tried that door switch trick, it no longer works for me. My mechanic said that the scan tool was telling him that it was the rear right that was giving the problem. He couldn't determine any more.

My question is that if I replace the airbag module (located under the center console) would that fix my problem? or should I be looking at replacing the side airbag / sensor??

 

have you checked to see if anyone else has had this problem in the past and posted here.?

 

yes i checked all of the posts. there were many posts, but none had my question or a definitive answer.

 

Same thing happened to my 99 with side airbags...the reset method would work for a few days, then it wouldnt work at all. I even looked under both the seats and everything looked in tact. It was not though...one of the harnesses was coming loose.

My advise is to get under the passenger/drivers seat, espically if you have had crap sitting underneath the seat (which will set off the sensors FYI) and make sure all connections are secure.

 

thanks I'll try that and report back.

 

Why would you even consider replacing the module when the scan indicates the right rear bag is the problem. The right rear bag is the passenger - side impact bag located in the side of the passenger seat.

It's actually a common issue with some 98's. My buddies I30 has the same problem. You have to replace the bag to fix it, involves taking the seat back cover off.

 

I advise this check too. My 98 Maxima had that same blinking airbag light for over 4 months. I did the reset through the door switch, removed the battery overnight, replaced the fuse, reset the ecu, but none worked. So I got under both front seats and unplugged every plug I see and replug them tightly. After that, I started the car and the airbag light was gone. It has been over 2 months now and still no light blinking.

 

I've been dealing with this issue for probably 4 years now. As a matter of fact, after about 2 mos. of no blinking it came back yesterday. I think my driver's side airbag is the problem, as the pass. side was replaced under warranty. I'll move the seat all the way back, up, and to my position. Then I do the turn the key to ON, push the door switch 6 times fast, verify the computer is in diag mode, and then turn the key off. Sometimes the next time I start the blinking is gone, sometimes not. Sometimes I keep repeating until the lamp goes away.

 

Okay, I looked under the seats and did not find anything out of the ordinary. I see a few wires down there, but I cannot locate the connectors. Should I be taking the seats apart to locate the connectors?

If we think that it is the rear passenger side bag, is there a "how to" posted anywhere?

Also, will the light stop blinking all by itself once the problem is fixed, or will I have to do the door pin trick again?

 

Usually any SRS related equipment uses yellow clips/harnesses, unlike the ordinary white/black. They should have a wiring connection that connects in the front center of each seat. They clip onto a metal plate that you can see if you get out and look under the seats. My connection on the passenger side was loose...you might want to try unplugging it and making sure it is secured before taking any other precautions.

 

Because one of the folks mentioned unplugging everything, I decided to move the seat all the way back and look under. Towards the front was an airbag connector I've never seen before. I unplugged it, plugged it back in, did the turn key on press door switch 6X fast thing, and the computer went into diag mode. Turned the key off, and the next time I turned the key back on, the light went out. That's interesting, because I know that often if the seat gets moved, the lamp starts flashing again.

 

Yep, the harnesses are very sensitive, and have had problems with my airbag light after moving my pass. seat and vacuuming the car.

Glad you fixed it.

 

Alright guys!! All I had to do is remove a case logic case and reconnect the wires and the flashing light went away. Thanks very much for all of your help.