My son has my old 1998 Y33, now with 143,000 miles. His airbag warning light is flashing. I have tried the re-set procedure using the dome light switch on the B pillar. I tried this many times but without any success. However, when it goes in to diagnosis mode the sequence of flashes seems to suggest it is a drivers air bag issue. I am not 100% sure of the flashing sequence as it is quite difficult to estimate the time duration of each flash.

My question is whether this is something that I really need to take to the dealer or whether there are some other checks I could do myself before hand. Probably a stupid question but it could be something as minor as a fuse?

Does the FSM give you a better diagnostic method? I assume that's where you got the reset method, but if not check it out at www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

Typically it's not a fuse, but it could be something that more diagnostics will narrow down.

Heath

I have tried a few times to perform the self diagnosis process and have had to give up on it.

Airbag lights are one of those things that once you know you tend to feel obliged to repair it. The lifespan of an airbag is ~10 years. The gold connections deteriorate over time and the resistance value changes enough to trigger an open or short trouble code. The parts are pretty pricey and not available aftermarket.