Air bag

[Jimp218]

Hello,

I have a 97 maxima, I went on vacation for 2 weeks and kept it in my garage. when I returned and started it up the air bags light was flashing. Could anyone recommend a possible cause / solution.
Thanks much,
Jim

[macol]

Jim, I had a similar problem with my 1999 Maxima. I called Five Star Airbags in Arkansas (888-378-2629) and talked to a Chris Sullivan. I asked him if they had a side airbag for sale and he said he thought the problem was not the airbag at all but the electrical connection. I knew my problem was the side airbag because I had it diagnosed by the Nissan dealer. They wanted to fix it for $500.00 so I started looking for it myself.
This is what he told me to do. While sitting in the drivers seat with the car off turn the ignition to the on position. Use your left hand to depresss door interior light button (by your left hip) 5 quick times. Turn the ignition off then on and push the button once. Then off and on and the door button 5 times again. When I did it (with him on the phone) the airbag light on the dash blinked 2 short then 2 long flashes. He said that was indead the drivers side airbag. The 5-1-5 was a self diagnostic check for all airbag problems. Well I was amazed at this and then he told me to take off the rear panel of the drivers side front seat to expose the terminal connection between the airbag and the harness to the compruter and with a pair of needlenose pliers twist the male prongs gently and connect the harness again. When I did that the airbag light went out and hasn't been on since (2 months). This guy was great. He could have sold me the airbag but didn't. My cost $0.00. I would recommend Five Star Airbags to all. Even if your problem is not the side airbag I hope this gets you going. Good luck. Ross

[kaygill]

Mine was flashing all the time and the garage opened the door and with the ignition light on started to tap the on/off light switch in the drivers door that controls the inside overhead light. He flicked it about 5 to 7 times and then turned the ignition off then back on and the light started to flash a code....two short then two long...he said that it was the drivers airbag clock spring that was faulty.
So far he has got two replacement springs but none are the right connection so waiting. From what I have read with other makes of cars I am wondering if it was only a bad connection. However I am reluctant to say anything in case he ups the price to fix....which was said to be about $250 NZ dollars.
Here's hoping. I would suggest doing that test as the light may then go off and all will be OK