Air Bag Warning Light Flashing

[jdubb]

I know there are several posts on this topic but I did check them first and none got to my question, so here goes. I'm desperate for advice!

I have a 2006 Murano SL with a flashing airbag warning light - steady flash. I took it to my regular service place and the code it presented was not in their database, so they couldn't help. The dealer said it could be any of three things (um, don't remember what the three things were though) but that Nissan recommends they just replace all three - which total the entire drivers airbag system! (i.e. the most expensive thing that *could* be wrong.) I'm skeptical that I really need all this, but I don't know how to confirm if I do. If I go to another dealer, I'm wondering if their system will show that I already got this diagnosis at the other dealer and stand behind it. (?) If I go to another shop, I can't be sure they'll have the code either. I don't even know where else to go.

The dealer did reset the code and the light started flashing after I drove for a while, so it wasn't just a code reset. But it could conceivably be just a wiring thing, etc. ?? I called Nissan Consumer Affairs to see if they'd help with the repair since it's unbelievable (I think) that the car is having a major safety issue with less than 70K miles on it. They denied me and didn't even offer a good-will gesture. I don't know. This is a $2,300 repair, out of warranty, and I feel like I'm being ripped off. Any help??

[nitely]

Did you just acquire this car? Is it possible the previous owner had the airbag deployed for any reason? If thats the case then yes you need a new one. If not then probably a connection or sensor issue.

[Warhammer]

Sounds like you're staring down a HUGE troubleshooting effort. Need some basics first before we can help.

How long have you had the MO?
Did the light start flashing recently or has it come and go?
Was there any rework to the airbag system recently?
Was there any rework recently done that required to remove the airbags?

Details, details, details here bud. Trying to isolate a root cause here and which airbag might be affected. Could be a loose connection, bad airbag unit, etc.

[jdubb]

Thanks for replying. No, I've had the car since Jan 2009 and it's been a dream. I haven't messed around with any of the wiring, had an accident, etc. It just started flashing out of the blue. I don't know where to go to find out if I'm getting the real diagnosis.

[Warhammer]

I have the 2004 service manual so the troubleshooting procedure without the dealership's Consult-II should be similar. If you have a push button start then it's probably different. You're going to have to put the airbag system into diagnosis mode in order to continue. It's quite simple for the 2004. If you can, do as the attachment instructs then observe the flashing sequence and report back. If you don't have a key and have a push button, then someone with a 06-07 service manual will have to chime in.

If you're able to complete the required steps and get the system in diagnostic mode, then the rest is simply observation. Once you finish the steps, you know you've done it right when you're airbag light stays on for 7 seconds, then starts a flashing pattern. You need to pay very close attention to the flashing pattern. Depending on what the pattern is, will determine what the computer thinks is wrong with your airbag system. Attached is a good example.

Good luck!

[nitely]

How old is you battery?

[jdubb]

Battery ... hm, it's pretty new. Had it replaced in the last year and a half, I believe.

I didn't see one of Warhammer's questions before - the light has been blinking steadily since it started 3-4 weeks ago, except for its brief respite when they reset it. I think I covered the other Qs.

[jdubb]

Apparently I'm severely mentally challenged. I did this sequence about four times and it didn't work. On the fifth time, I realized 7 sec was too long on this car and I shortened it to six - it worked but I was so surprised it worked that I didn't count properly. I think it was 8 flashes but can't be sure. It then just started flashing in a 3 sec on 2 sec off pattern till I turned it off. (the regular pattern was faster than this.) So, I started over trying to get into diagnostic mode again but now the light doesn't flash. I apparently reset it? I do expect it to come back on since it did this before. Should I keep it running for a while? Maybe I should go run an errand! If it goes back on should I try diagnostics again?

[Warhammer]

Looks like the 8 flashes is pointing to the bottom pattern on the picture I previously posted. You should have seen a single longer flash with 8 shorter flashes. Correct?

If you're seeing 8 flashes, this is pointing to an issue with the front drivers side airbag assembly. Follow the diagnosis instructions and go from there.

Yes, if you turn off the power after observing the flashing then you will reset the code. If the flashing comes back, simply check it again. Should be the same pattern if nothing else has changed.

My bet is the wiring harness connector. I'd pull the connector, clean the contacts, then put it back together. If the light comes back complaining about the same thing, on to the next step?

[jdubb]

I wasn't crazy. The flashing returned so I put it back in diag mode. It does the first part of the pattern: 7 sec on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off. Then it perpetually flashes in the 3 on 2 off sequence. That one's not covered in this troubleshooting procedure. Any more ideas?

[nitely]

Weak battery can give weird electrical malfunctions.....check your battery charge to eliminate it from the equation. Cheaper than replacing airbag sensors/parts.

[jdubb]

Okay, I will check the battery and see if that makes a difference. Thanks.

I do actually think something is wrong with some part of the airbag BUT I do not think the entire thing needs to be replaced for $2300! I think they're just taking advantage of an opportunity to stick me with a full replacement. It's probably just one of the components and I'm hoping that the 3 on 2 off pattern means something I can work with. At least then I could go in and say, here, this is the part you need to look at. Ugh. I trust my regular mechanic, I wish he could fix this.

[Warhammer]

3 seconds off and 2 seconds on is a different failure mode. The snapshot I left was only a few instances over about 4 pages in the service manual. You should be getting 7 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 3 seconds on, then the 0.5 second flashes. In other failure modes, you'll get 7 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 1.5 seconds on, 0.5 seconds off, 1.5 seconds on, then some more flashes. I've attached the pages of the service manual that cover the different failure modes. The one you described of just on for 3 seconds and off for 2 seconds doesn't line up with anything specific unfortunately.

I'd suggest putting the system back into diagnostic mode again and follow the flashes really closely. I've attached all of the different failure modes so let's see what yours is saying.

[jdubb]

I called the dealership to get more clarification on why they need to replace the system. They said that their diagnosis revealed I need a new coil and controller. They recommend I replace the whole thing because when they replace one or two parts, it can somehow short-circuit the other parts, so it's better to replace everything at once.

This is my last desperate plea for advice. Does this sound reasonable? Should I get another opinion? Or do I tell my kids we're canceling our Disney trip so we can get a shiny new airbag?

[jdubb]

Warhammer, sorry, our posts crossed in cyberspace. I definitely did not get any 0.5 second flashes either time I did the diagnostics. I'll look at the attachments you left above and see if I can get a better diagnostic, but I'm feeling rather depressed about this at this point. Any thoughts on the post I put up a few minutes ago?