99 Maxima in Accident. Need Help.

[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 and just put in another steering wheel for cosmetic looks?

Thanks,

Danny

[Beancooker]

$1300 is dirt cheap for replacement of the belt tensioners and bags. Take the offer.Second, if you disassemble the housing around where the seatbelt winds up, there may be something that will release the tension. Look for a pin that may lock when it popped. There are small "explosions" that pop in there that yank the belt tight when you get in an accident.

[Vazcular]

That is ridiculous that Nissan claims it is a safety feature for accidents. What, I cannot be cut from a regular seat belt? How come the rear seat belts didn't lock?

Thanks,

Danny

[jmaxima]

The belts and airbags are reqired safety devices. This means that while a shop may replace just one or the other they would be liable for any future injuries that may result from not doing all the reqired work. The belts probably can be reset, unlocked or similar. And belts may be found at a junk yard. Your closest Nissan dealer should replace or repair the belts for free, lifetime warranty on belts as far as I know. The accident may void that warranty, not sure.