There’s nothing more annoying than starting your Nissan and noticing the airbag warning light stays on longer than it should—or worse, starts blinking. While it’s easy to ignore, this isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Your airbag system is a vital part of your car’s safety. If the module has stored crash data or a fault code, your airbags might not deploy in an emergency. That’s where the airbag control module (also known as the SRS module) comes in. It’s the brain of your airbag system, constantly monitoring crash sensors, seatbelt tensioners, and more. When something goes wrong, the module stores a code and lights up your dashboard. Resetting it can sometimes clear minor faults—if done correctly. But it’s important to know when a reset is safe, and when professional help is the better call. If you're not confident doing this yourself, or if your module needs reprogramming or full replacement, the experts at Mentor Nissan have the tools and OEM parts to handle it all. You can also schedule service directly to have a certified technician inspect and reset the system for you.

Why Is My Nissan Airbag Light On?

Before jumping into the reset process, it’s worth understanding what might be triggering the warning light in the first place. Here are a few common reasons:

• Minor collision or bump: Even a small accident can trip the system.
• Discharged or disconnected battery: This can sometimes confuse the module.
• Seatbelt sensor malfunction: A faulty buckle sensor can trigger the light.
• Wiring issues: Broken connectors or frayed wires under the seat are frequent offenders.
• Faulty clock spring: This part inside the steering wheel connects to the airbag—if it fails, the light comes on.
• Module crash data stored: Even after a crash has been repaired, the module may still store the crash code.

If your vehicle has been in a recent accident, simply resetting the module won’t fix it. You’ll need to have the crash data cleared or have the module replaced.

Can You Reset It Yourself?

Yes—if the issue is minor or the result of an electrical glitch, you can try resetting the airbag light yourself. Just be warned: working with the airbag system isn’t like changing a tire. These systems are sensitive, and one wrong step could cause damage or unintended deployment. Always disconnect the battery and follow safety protocols.

What You’ll Need

• A basic OBD-II scanner (for basic resets)
• A more advanced SRS reset tool or Nissan-compatible scan tool (recommended)
• Safety gloves
• 10mm socket and ratchet (to disconnect battery)
• Your car’s service manual (for specific connector locations)

Step-by-Step: How To Reset The Nissan Airbag Module

Step 1: Safety First

Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface and engaging the parking brake. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. This is crucial—you’re working with safety components that can deploy unexpectedly. Wait at least 3 minutes after disconnecting the battery before touching any part of the airbag system. This allows any residual power in the system to discharge fully.

Step 2: Scan for Trouble Codes

Connect your OBD-II or SRS scan tool to the diagnostic port (usually located below the steering wheel). Turn the key to the "ON" position (don’t start the engine). Use the tool to read any stored trouble codes. This will help you figure out if the problem is something you can clear, or if it requires a deeper fix (e.g., a faulty sensor). If the code is a soft fault (such as a low battery event or temporary disconnection), the tool will allow you to erase it. If it’s a hard fault (such as a deployed airbag), the module likely needs to be replaced or reprogrammed.

Step 3: Clear the Codes

If your scan tool allows it and the fault is minor, choose the “Clear Codes” or “Reset SRS” function. Once cleared, turn off the ignition and remove the tool. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and start the engine. If the issue was minor, the airbag light should go off within a few seconds.

Step 4: Manual Reset (If You Don’t Have a Scanner)

There’s also a manual way to reset the light on some Nissan models:

1. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (just before engine start).
2. Watch the airbag light—it will stay on for about 7 seconds.
3. The moment it shuts off, quickly turn the key off.
4. Repeat this process 3–5 times.

This trick sometimes clears minor faults, especially after battery disconnections. If it works, the airbag light will go off and stay off.

When a Reset Isn’t Enough

If the light remains on after your attempts, it’s not something you want to ignore. Persistent codes can mean deeper electrical issues, faulty sensors, or stored crash data that must be manually removed using dealer-level software. This is where professional diagnostics come in. Mentor Nissan uses OEM-grade equipment that can identify the exact issue and reset or reprogram your airbag module to factory specs. Don’t risk your safety with guesswork—when in doubt, let the experts take over.