Nissan Repair: 99 Altima GXE airbags deployed, oil pressure switch, controller area network

Question
QUESTION: I got into a minor front end collision and my airbags were deployed. After letting the car sit overnight I tried to start it and it acted like it wanted to start but wouldn't turn over. I've heard of other people driving their cars after the airbags have deployed without replacing them. What can I do so that I am still able to drive my car?

ANSWER: Christina,

The airbags are not the problem.  In the wreck the battery could have been knocked loose or the terminals are loose.  Check the battery and fuses for damage.  Nissan does not use an impact sensor for cutting power to the fuel pump they use the oil pressure switch.  On yours the wire to the oil pressure switch should not have been damaged so that should not be a problem.  I again think it is electrical as in something was damaged or knocked loose.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, can you tell me where the oil pressure switch is so that I can check it just to make sure? Also my brother found an answer which has to do with turning the ignition switch off and on and turning into diagnosis into user mode having to do with the airbag warning lamp. Is that also something I should take into consideration and try? The battery and the terminals have all been checked. Also another thing I was told was to check the fuses for the ignition circuit first and the relay for the ignition. Is that also a possibility? And where would those fuses be? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Christina,

If the ignition was damaged in the crash the contacts will not allow it to work correctly.  

The oil pressure switch is on the engine by the oil filter.

Does the engine crank over?

The airbag system is independent of the electronic control of the engine.  

The car is on a controller area network that acts much like an old token ring system.

The airbag system has its own computer.  It polls the airbags and sensors at startup to make sure everything works.  If the airbags are deployed the system will flash the light on the dash and not work.  Obviously due to the fact that the airbags are already deployed.  Nothing to do with the engine running.  Seperate system here.

Check the fuel rail for fuel pressure.

Check the coil for power to and spark at the plugs.

Email me back with what you find.