Nissan Repair: Nissan Altima Sensor, controller area network, nissan altima

Question
Greetings,
Is it easy to replace the front airbag sensor in an 05' Altima?  The bumper was lightly hit and needs the plastic bumper cover replaced.  Can the sensor be replaced without disassembling the front bumper assembly?  Thanks for your time!
Dave

Answer
Dave,

The sensor is easy to replace if it is damaged or if the airbag deployed.  You did not say if it had deployed?  But, you have to have the proper scan tool to reset the airbag computer.  Most shops will not sell you airbag  components if you are not ASC certified and that includes the dealer.  The sensor can be replaced without removal of the bumper.  But, you are still looking at going to the dealer or body shop to get the light turned off.  Follow the manual to the letter to prevent blowing the new airbags.  You have to disconnect the battery, harness and fuse before attempting to do any work on the circuit.  If you work on it while it is energized you could deploy a bag or two and, or hurt yourself.  Also, you can cause another code with the circuit energized.  The system works like a local area network but on the car they call it the controller area network and all sensors and airbags check in with the master computer.  If one is disconnected while the system is up and running a code will be stored and the light will come on and the computer will deactivate the airbag system.