Nissan Repair: Nissan 2000 N15 1.6L Pulsar, controller area network, local area network

Question
Hi Von, my 00 Pulsar air bag light keeps flashing ,it was diagnosed but sensor(s)not found, could you assist with 1.wiring diagam .2 Location of sensors 3.A air-bag reset procedure.Thanks Neville

Answer
Neville,

The sensors are located in at the front and rear bumper.  Also, you should have two air bags and each has a sensor.  Basically the system works like a local area network (LAN) like a computer network.  But, since it is a car the bandwidth is much lower.  That is, it is called a controller area network (CAN) and works much like the really old Token Ring Newtwork.  That is to say, you start the car and the computer fires up and requests a status of each sensor and airbag.  They all report in, one at a time, not enough bandwidth, and then, after five seconds the airbag light goes out.  A flashing light indicates a problem.  Each sensor and airbag has an address much like the internet protocol address your computer has.  I would get another reading of your airbag system to let you know which component is defective.  It should not be wiring.  Also, the airbag system can hurt or kill you if you set if off when you are working on it.  You have to handle the system with caution.  That is why the general public does not have access to airbag circuit scanners.  You figure out what sensor or airbag is in need of replacement and then you disconnect the battery, wait five minutes, disconnect the airbag fuse and the airbag harness to the particular side you might be working on.  Also, never get in the way since it can go off and if you are in front of it and not belted in proper position it can hurt or kill you.  Next, if you remove an airbag hold it explosive side out.  That is the side that the bag pops out of.  and when you set it down you make sure it is face up so if it goes off it does not become a projectile.  I like to use an old milk crate made of steel to house airbags when removed to keep out of the line of fire.  Not trying to tell you what to do but airbags are dangerous.