Nissan Repair: blinking air bag light, mississippi 2, diagnostic mode

Question
I have a 2005 pathfinder amada, 5.6l w/47,000 miles. The air bag light is blinking all the time. I would like to troubleshoot the system myself. Can you tell me the steps to enter the self test mode? The dealer would be my last resort. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Vic -

First step is to ensure that any wires/terminals associated with the air bag (under passenger seat), are not disconnected. Have you installed any accessories lately (such as alarms, CD player?) Somoetimes that sets off the light.

If all is well, here is how to reset the light:

1. Turn the key from off to on.

2. Watch the airbag light closely. It will stay on for a few secs. and then as soon as it blinks off (the start of the flashing), turn the key off instantly.

3. Count to 5 (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi . . . .)

4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times until you have done the cycle three times.

5. Now turn the key on and watch the light. It will start blinking in a different, slower manner. This is diagnostic mode. You can watch this for a little while, no hurry.

6. Now turn the key off again, Count to 5 like in step 3 again, and turn back on. If the procedure worked, the airbag light will not be flashing.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin