B1018 Code
 

Alright, I cant be the only one who's had this issue.

My airbag light has been flashing for a while now... I've tried the diagnostic mode (turn ON and OFF x3 times etc) severaaaal times and its gotten to the point where it doesn't even clear it. It'll flash slowly like 3 times, then fast 3 times continuously. Anyways, the recall doesn't cover our cars which is stupid af because the dealership quotes me nearly $2000... Ive read a lot about bypassing modules and replacing cushions or whatnot. Anybody have suggestions? I have an 09' 370z with just under 19k miles, and no accidents. I already pay enough for the car and was about to start modding but now I have this final obstacle to deal with.

B1018 is an occupant sensor malfunction. In order to replace the sensor, Nissan will replace the whole seat assembly (hence the $2000 price tag). Have you tried locating a used seat?

I'm currently looking for used ones but most of them have been airbag used. Any recommendations?

Take your seat back and put it on a good, used bottom. I don't know how to do that (or if even possible).

So pretty much my options are:

1. Pray the diagnosis mode works permanently.

2. Pay Nissan Stealership about 2k and wait 1.5 hrs for service.

3. Buy a byass module

4. Buy a used seat (cushion or full set) and replace.

Am I missing anything?

I can't think of anything else.

Re #3, IIRC, it's just a resistor that goes in place of the cushion sensor. Seat thinks it's always empty, so passenger airbag won't deploy - but no light.

probably not really an option with the risk/liability.

I suppose you shouldn't carry any passenger until it is fixed.

Yeah I'd prefer to have the airbag be on at all times tbh. I wont be having children in my car anyways so that would be a factor to deal with. Alrighty then, guess I'll figure something out then.

I was wondering if you can remove and repair the module? I am sure some smart electrician or engineer can repair it.

I doubt it.

Probably at least one proprietary chip that can't be sourced. Schematics are probably very expensive or impossible to obtain. The manufacturer may have a repair shop but, with today's throw-away economy, I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm going to guess it would be much easier to source one of the modules from a part-out or a salvage yard than repairing the module.

Hopefully I can find a good one at the j-yard then. The chances are pretty low cus if its there, its probably for a good reason.

Can you fit a driver's seat in the passenger position? If so, that would double your odds of finding a seat that would work.

Yes, but apparently only the passenger seats have the weight sensor. Driver side doesn't have that so it'll always go off. Idk why Nissan thought it was a good idea to do the whole on and off sensor thing.

Doh! Didn't think about that.