Nissan Repair: airbags, airbag module, airbag system

Question
I am trying to replace deployed driver and passanger airbags in a 1998 altima. Are there other interchangeable model years? I found a 1999 altima in a salvage yard, and would like to buy the bags( and possibly the module ) if they will work.
    Thanks,
           John

Answer
John,

A 1998 to 2001 Altima are the same so the parts should fit.  You will need the sensor off the front of the vehicle as well since your airbags went off.  Be sure you know what you are doing in replacing the airbags since they have the ability to go off when installing them.  Be sure the power is disconnected at the battery and there is no static discharge capability.  Never get in front of the airbag and hold the airbag with the action side facing away from you.  The harness is yellow that they connect to.  I follow the procedure in the factory service manual and remove the airbag fuse too as well as the connection to the module.  Then, after fifteen minutes of nothing being connected I start with the front sensor, then the module and then the airbags.  Connect them last, with no power connected.  After everything is hooked up then put the airbag fuse in and then connect the battery.  If you have any part of the circuit disconnected with the power on the airbag module will set a code.  So, never disconnect any part of the airbag system with power or the module will read it as an error.  It costs $100 bucks to get the code cleared and scanners for airbags are not available to the general public.  On-line you can purchase one for something like $1000 bucks.  Too much liability for most shops so they will read codes and reset only if they know what is going on.  The nice part about another module you are getting is there are no codes stored.