airbag light question (no it's not about resetting)

[speedking83]

ok, my airbag light started to blink all of a sudden.
i haven't diagnosed the code yet, i'll bring it to my garage whenever im free.
but i just want to know what could possibly be the problem.
my airbag never deployed, never had an accident, never removed the steering wheel, never touched any airbag related components.
it just started to blink really out of the blue.
anyone have same experience?
it's 97 240sx btw. completely stock.
about 85,000 clicks.

and if anyone sorta knows what the problem could be, also do tell me how much around i should expect to repair.
thanks alot guys.

[hustlervibes]

Check the FSM it tells you what each code means. You have to see whether the blinks are long or short etc. Also if it's just a steady blink then you need to put it in diagnostic mode which is 1/2 the part of resetting it. Also try resetting it, that might fix it.

[speedking83]

where can i find FSM?
blinks are normal speed i guess. almost same sequence as the side blinkers.

[hustlervibes]

Search on google, I found mine somewhere to download.

And search on how to reset your airbag light because it tells you how to go to the diagnostic mode. If it's a steady blink with no durration changes then it's not telling you anything other than there is a problem...maybe. Just try resetting it and if it still persists then look it up on the FSM. Chances are you had a loose connection that got set off.

[DaPCWiz]

I had this problem in my '95. There is a reset procedure which involves putting the key in the ignition and pushing the driver's door sensor like 7 times or something. I forget the exact procedure. Unfortunately it didn't make the problem go away in my '95. The previous owner of the car took it to a dealer and got an $800 quote for replacing the entire airbag system.

I ended up pulling out the light from the dash and said f- it.

Sadly 2 years after I that I got into a front end collision with the car @ 45 mph. The airbags actually deployed correctly as they were supposed to despite the light being in the blinking state.

edit:

here is the reset procedure -

http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/air_bag_light.htm

haha edit #2:

sorry I don't read.. didn't see your "(no its not about resetting)"

good luck.

[speedking83]

Originally Posted by hustlervibes

Search on google, I found mine somewhere to download.

And search on how to reset your airbag light because it tells you how to go to the diagnostic mode. If it's a steady blink with no durration changes then it's not telling you anything other than there is a problem...maybe. Just try resetting it and if it still persists then look it up on the FSM. Chances are you had a loose connection that got set off.

alright here we go,
i downloaded the FSM, diagnosed.
in the diagnosis mode, the light blinks in a sequence of 8 shorts and 1 long.
according to the FSM, it says:
8 short blinks--- "the front passenger airbag module circuit is out of order"

and the repair order is:
1. visually check the wiring harness connections.
2. replace the front passenger airbag module.
3. replace the diagnosis sensor unit.
4. replace the airbag harness.

jesus, it seems like a whole lot of replacements. i hope it doesn't cost me arm and legs. im really running short these days

now my question is, where is that front passenger airbag module?
it sorta indicates the location in the FSM, but still quiet not sure where exactly it is.

is it on the door side wall right under the passenger dash compartment?
if it is, what do i need to take the panel off and how do i do that?

thanks guys.

[DaPCWiz]

Originally Posted by speedking83

alright here we go,
i downloaded the FSM, diagnosed.
in the diagnosis mode, the light blinks in a sequence of 8 shorts and 1 long.
according to the FSM, it says:
8 short blinks--- "the front passenger airbag module circuit is out of order"

and the repair order is:
1. visually check the wiring harness connections.
2. replace the front passenger airbag module.
3. replace the diagnosis sensor unit.
4. replace the airbag harness.

jesus, it seems like a whole lot of replacements. i hope it doesn't cost me arm and legs. im really running short these days

now my question is, where is that front passenger airbag module?
it sorta indicates the location in the FSM, but still quiet not sure where exactly it is.

is it on the door side wall right under the passenger dash compartment?
if it is, what do i need to take the panel off and how do i do that?

thanks guys.

It's right under that top "panel" on the passenger side dash. Unfortunately that "panel" is part of the dash. I believe the entire dash needs to be removed to pull the passenger side airbag module. You may be able to access the bolts if you remove the glove box, so try that first. Also note that they are tamper proof bolts. (I believe its some sort of torx head on the bolt or something). If you can't get the correct tool to remove the bolts, I've heard of people using vice grips to grab and spin them loose, but you are probably better off finding the right socket / tool. Also note that all the airbag wiring in the car is covered in bright yellow loom.

I personally believe that first gen airbags (such as the kind in S14s) do more hurt than help in any lower speed collisions (sub 55 mph-ish). But i'm not going to go trying to convince you to leave it alone -- good luck with it.

[speedking83]

Originally Posted by DaPCWiz

I had this problem in my '95. There is a reset procedure which involves putting the key in the ignition and pushing the driver's door sensor like 7 times or something. I forget the exact procedure. Unfortunately it didn't make the problem go away in my '95. The previous owner of the car took it to a dealer and got an $800 quote for replacing the entire airbag system.

I ended up pulling out the light from the dash and said f- it.

Sadly 2 years after I that I got into a front end collision with the car @ 45 mph. The airbags actually deployed correctly as they were supposed to despite the light being in the blinking state.

edit:

here is the reset procedure -

http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/air_bag_light.htm

haha edit #2:

sorry I don't read.. didn't see your "(no its not about resetting)"

good luck.

i sorta did the cheap way as well before, like putting dark tape over the bulb so i don't see the annoying blinking anymore. but now that i have to pass a federal inspection, i need it to be in working order ( srs lights turns on, and turns off after ignited) to pass the inspection..

if there's any cheap way out to fool the inspector, it'll be just perfect right now. the inspector litterally turns on the car, and see if srs comes on and comes off. that's really all he checks.
i thought of resetting the light right before going into the inspection but it seems like the light starts blinking again as soon as i reset it and turn the car on again...

[speedking83]

Originally Posted by DaPCWiz

It's right under that top "panel" on the passenger side dash. Unfortunately that "panel" is part of the dash. I believe the entire dash needs to be removed to pull the passenger side airbag module. You may be able to access the bolts if you remove the glove box, so try that first. Also note that they are tamper proof bolts. (I believe its some sort of torx head on the bolt or something). If you can't get the correct tool to remove the bolts, I've heard of people using vice grips to grab and spin them loose, but you are probably better off finding the right socket / tool. Also note that all the airbag wiring in the car is covered in bright yellow loom.

I personally believe that first gen airbags (such as the kind in S14s) do more hurt than help in any lower speed collisions (sub 55 mph-ish). But i'm not going to go trying to convince you to leave it alone -- good luck with it.

oh crapppp.. and how hard is to remove the dash?
im wondering why the heck the passenger airbag module went bad all of a sudden...ahhh...

[DaPCWiz]

removing the dash isn't too bad. I've done it a few times. The worst part is pulling the defroster trim, that shit is DRY and BRITTLE. It cracks super easy, so TAKE YOUR TIME getting it out. There are a few bolts under that trim, and then a number of 10 mm bolts around the dash to remove. You also need to pull the glove box and center console.

You then need to follow the steering column under the dash to where you find 2 bolts holding it to the dashboard reinforcement bar. You need to undo those (will drop the steering wheel like 10 inches or more) and then you should have enough clearance to pull out the dashboard.

I bought my old S14 with 50,000 miles and it had the problem. Shiz happens... idk.

[projectRDM]

You don't need to remove the dash yet. The plug for the bag is under the dash, bolted to the blower motor. You can visually inspect the plug for damage or looseness, and if you can find a bag for cheap, plug the new one with it laying in the floor and reset the light to see if that fixes your problem. If so, you've already got the new bag, replace it. If not, the bag isn't the culprit, so swap the control unit next, it's easier to access anyway. Plug a known working module in and again reset the light. If that does it, replace the unit.

The harness itself *could* possibly be damaged, but that's as doubtful as the car growing wings and flying away. It's all self contained in the dash area and is not exposed to weathering, fraying, or anything else that would potentially damage it.

Remember, actually diagnosing the problem is a lot better than just throwing new parts at it. You'd feel like an ass if you pulled the dash and replaced the bag only to find the control unit was bad or had come unplugged.

[speedking83]

Originally Posted by projectRDM

You don't need to remove the dash yet. The plug for the bag is under the dash, bolted to the blower motor. You can visually inspect the plug for damage or looseness, and if you can find a bag for cheap, plug the new one with it laying in the floor and reset the light to see if that fixes your problem. If so, you've already got the new bag, replace it. If not, the bag isn't the culprit, so swap the control unit next, it's easier to access anyway. Plug a known working module in and again reset the light. If that does it, replace the unit.

The harness itself *could* possibly be damaged, but that's as doubtful as the car growing wings and flying away. It's all self contained in the dash area and is not exposed to weathering, fraying, or anything else that would potentially damage it.

Remember, actually diagnosing the problem is a lot better than just throwing new parts at it. You'd feel like an ass if you pulled the dash and replaced the bag only to find the control unit was bad or had come unplugged.

ok so now the plug, where exactly under the dash? sorry im very noob on all this..

and how much does the module go for used and new?

[DaPCWiz]

Originally Posted by speedking83

ok so now the plug, where exactly under the dash? sorry im very noob on all this..

and how much does the module go for used and new?

plug for the pass airbag module would be under the pass side dash.

airbag computer is under the backseat.

follow any yellow wiring you see in either case.

[hustlervibes]

Also, just as a safety precaution you should disconnect your batter before messing around with your air bags just to be on the safe side.

[projectRDM]

Originally Posted by speedking83

ok so now the plug, where exactly under the dash? sorry im very noob on all this..

and how much does the module go for used and new?

Behind/below the glovebox is a white plug, yellow wrapped harness. It drops down, plugs in, then goes right back up again. It's not required to disconnect the battery, just make sure to leave the key off, and again before trying it out or checking for new part interface reset the codes.

As far as price, it depends. 5 years ago I could clear $1500 on an airbag set without even trying, today though with cheap, broke kids buying these cars and constantly wrecking them daily they've learned to just leave them out, so I'm lucky to get $100 for everything. No one replaces airbags anymore. So, I'd say at the very most you'll pay $50 for the module, no more. Make sure you get the correct one, the 97-98 module is different than the 95-96. Bags are the same though from 95-98 if that turns out to be the problem.

[HKSdrift3r]

mine is blinking too, took it to my friends at the dealership and turns out I need a new airbag module. It costs Nissan $964, so who knows what they charge to a customer. Anyway, I just bought one for $45 shipped. Ill see if that fixes the problem.