Reset Airbag Sensor light on Nissan Pathfinder

Recently my Nissan Pathfinder started flashing an airbag warning light for no apparent reason. My SUV is only 2 years old so it pained me to have to bring it in for diagnostics. Last time I brought my Nissan in to “check” something, I ended up with a new steering column, out of alignment, and new rear suspension parts. Don’t ask. Anyway, I found a really quick way to reset the alerts on your console. This only works unless there is really no problem and something just tripped the sensors.

Turn on the key to the Accessory position (don’t start), the airbag alert will display solid for 4 seconds or so, then start to flash. Immediately when the light starts to flash, turn the key back off.

Wait for 5 full seconds and then repeat the process at least 3 times.

On til flash, then off (wait 5) then back on.

Once this has been done 3 times, your alerts should be reset. If there is a real problem as in a partial deploy of your airbags, the alert will continue.

Hope this helps someone!!!

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  1. Wow neat stuff you saved me a lot of money. TED W

  2. Thank you!!! It totally worked! Saved us money and having to change the sensor.

  3. Brilliant. This cleared the fault on my XTrail. Cheers for posting.

  4. It works perfect. Thanks

  5. Hello
    Recently I noticed that my airbag sensor light was flashing. I checked this website and found a reset procedure. It was by Mr. Malpass. I attempted this procedure but had no positive result. Should I take my vehicle in for diagnostic check of the system? And if so to the Nissan Dealer, Western Auto, or the neighborhood electromechanic.

    1. Hi, just responding to your post..
      First try doing it 4-5times (mine took 4goes)…then turn off and start if light does go away then start googling repairer.

  6. Hi, thanks so much for this post.
    (I was quoted $500 just to test it, over $1000 to fix) Google+reset=priceless

  7. My nissan clipper 2010 ,
    Airbag warning light is solid, not flash at all.
    How can I solve for this , please.

    1. Try my recipe, if that doesn’t work, i would take it to your local mechanic or (shudder) dealer

  8. Great tip, worked a treat.
    Saved a couple of $€’s with that.
    Thanks for sharing.

  9. I tried your procedure this morning and it works. The dealership quote me $180 dollars just to run a diagnostic. Thank you so much, this save me money.

    1. Glad to help!

  10. Worked for me on my 08 Pathfinder

  11. Just did this in a 2011pathfinder. Thanks

  12. All these years after your original post, and you’ve saved me a visit to the dealership! My 2008 Pathfinder and I thank you, Dave Malpass!! 😀 Cheers!

  13. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder Diesel.
    Airbag symbol kept flashing and engine and other dash lights on when driving.
    Tried to reset it with an OBD11 code reader tool but did not connect with the on board computer. Has worked with every other car I have tried it with. Connector has no dust cover at the rear, poor design.
    Used the repeated on/off sequence 5 times waiting until the airbag symbol started to flash each time. Cleared the fault.
    Thanks. There is a special spot in your version of Heaven I am sure.

  14. Hi there
    I have a Nissan Pathfinder 56 plate I have tried this many times now but still no luck
    Can someone please help?

  15. Mine went on this morning and I did what you posted and it worked.. thankyou so much.. I could only imagine what they would charge me to do the same without me knowing, what I know now.. Thankyou so much!!!

  16. 2 Aug 17. Had warning light on 2006 pathfinder. Had knocked yellow wire off under passenger seat whilst taking manual out. Thanks to Daves tip now sorted, although took 8-10 times of ignition on and off. Thanks for the advice

  17. Dave it worked!!! You just saved this old man at least $100 which the dealer wanted just to plug it in to the computer.
    Big thanks to Dave.

  18. Thank you so much. Yes it really works saved me a lot of time thank you so freaking much

  19. You are legend man, thank you so much for save my money!

  20. SO glad I found this post! Worked for me! Thank you!

    1. Glad I could help!

  21. Thanks for the information. My 2012 Pathfinder LE had the airbag light come on when it flipped to 100,000 miles. It took 4 cycles and worked. That saved me $900 . Cannot thank you enough.

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