Airbag Sensor Flashing

[99Tacoma]

Hello Tacoma Users,

I have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and the Airbag sensor has started to flash. I was wondering if anyone new where this was. Can I replace it myself? I just don't want to get raped by the dealer.

Thanks for your time!
David

[mountainpete]

I would suggest getting into an auto parts store that is willing to scan your computer and get the error code first. It will probably give you a place to start.

Airbags are one of those things that can get really pricey (and dangerous) if you start messinga round...

Thanks,

Pete

[gotmadD]

i dont know if a flashing light means u need to replace a sensor, but what u need is to read the code...if u do need work on it you might find everybody pointing you back to the dealer for this 1....nobody wanted to touch mine when i needed a spiral wire...sumthin about the "and dangerous" part mountainpete mentioned above i guess...

[tacoma man.]

im still having probs with mine, 99 4x4 mines off right now but say tomarrow it might come back on and stay on for weeks then go back off. i dont know what the deal is

[Otismo]

Airbags are one of those things that can get really pricey (and dangerous) if you start messinga round...

Ain't that the truth... just last night I was chopping out some unhooked wires in the dash of my rally car ( actually, just a '90 Ford Taurus that has been hacked to pieces ). I figured since the wires were all unhooked from their location, and I could still start the car... the wires were unnecessary. So, forgetting to unhook the battery , I started chopping the mass of wires with a Saws-All. Sparks started flashing and I heard a small pop. I just figured it was the electricity popping, then I saw out the corner of my eye, a bright light - the air bag was on fire!!! It turns out, the pop was the air bag detonating ( we had already chopped out the bag and hit all the sensors so we figured it was dead, even though it hadn't detonated ) and it sounded like a shotgun to every one but me... and I was right next to it...? It was pretty scary after it all happened, once the realization hit. I just hate to think what would have happened had it gone off while we were rallying it...

[99DowneyTaco]

These model Tacomas are notorius for this, because the lighters, radio, A/C and the airbag all run off of the same accessory lines, it shorts out really easy. Any time I plug my phone charger in, it shorts out the airbag light. I have just been disconnecting my battery for a little while and letting it reset itself. I got tired of taking it to the dealership after like the 10th time. They will give you a diff reason every time.

[tacoma man.]

Originally Posted by 99DowneyTaco

These model Tacomas are notorius for this, because the lighters, radio, A/C and the airbag all run off of the same accessory lines, it shorts out really easy. Any time I plug my phone charger in, it shorts out the airbag light. I have just been disconnecting my battery for a little while and letting it reset itself. I got tired of taking it to the dealership after like the 10th time. They will give you a diff reason every time.

im glad i have run into you. let me guess, your plugging into the accessory outlet? if i hit the panel that they are connected to my airbag light comes on, and sometimes when i plug in my radar detector or my cell phone it comes on and stays on for a few weeks and then goes back off.