99 Maxima Accident...Need Mechanical Advice

[Vazcular]

Hello. I got in a minor front to rear collision which messed up my bumper. But it also blew out my airbags and locked the front two seat belts. Luckily the driver's side one is in perfect range for me. I asked my local body shop guy whom always fixes my family's cars. He said he cannot replace the bumper without replacing the airbags and seat belts. Total price is going to be around $1300 mainly due to the airbags. Is there anything I can do (ie. unplugging the battery to reset the computer and unlock the seat belts?).

Should I take it to a scrap yard and see if they know anyone who will do it without the air bags?

Thanks,

Danny

[Ramius83]

Unfortunately, when a seatbelt locks up after a major accident, it is permanently locked and will have to be replaced.

On a 95-99 Maxima, possibly higher years as well, there is no front bumper mounted SRS airbag sensor. The sudden change in lateral motion caused by an accident will be sensed and computed by the air bag control module. So you can replace the bumper and front bumper support by any means you would like without having to worry about any air bag sensors. However, other things will need to be looked at.

Obviously, you need both front air bags, both left and right. You will need a new airbag control module. This module is located under your center console, located between the front driver and passenger side seat. This item is a one-time use control unit and needs to be replaced. You will also need a new air bag clockspring, aka spiral cable. This is located behind the steering wheel. You will have to remove the airbag and steering wheel to access the sprial cable. It is labeled with a bright yellow SRS air bag warning sticker.

Once you have replaced all of these components, you should be ok. You will have to perform a manual reset on the new air bag computer as well once everything is replaced.