Question on warning lights

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Pennywoloz
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Question on warning lights

Postby Pennywoloz » Fri Oct 18, 2019 7:06 pm

Hello everyone,,
just recently some of my wife's warning lights have come on and stayed on in her 2006 SE Pathfinder. Can someone explain these lights and what should be done? I have basic basic basic automotive skills if that helps for offering troubleshooting tips. (oil changes, brakes, filters)
car history check
*Supplemental Air Bag Warning Light: Constantly blinks at startup and while driving.

*Front Passenger Air Bag and Status Light: Always on

*Low Tire Pressure Warning Light: Blinks for about a minute when vehicle is first started then stays on.

Thanks for any help.
Last edited by Pennywoloz on Mon Oct 21, 2019 9:36 am, edited 2 times in total.


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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Sun Oct 20, 2019 1:22 am

The TPMS warning light is likely due to one or more TPMS sensors with weak or dead batteries. They tend to last, on average, around 6-7 years. If the sensors are near that age, it would probably be best to replace the set of four the next time you need tires. If you wish to identify the sensors, it's best done with a scan tool. You can also do it manually by using the TPMS diagnostic connector, which is a 2-pin, white plastic connector with one wire that is located near the OBD II diagnostic port; sometimes it's taped to the harness with blue tape. Running a constant ground to it and turning the key to the "on" position will cause the TPMS warning light to flash 2-digit trouble codes which can be looked up in the factory service manual. Here's the problem: if it is a sensor, the trouble code will correlate to the sensor in its initially registered position, which may not be its current position. To clarify, sensors are registered in the order of LF, RF, RR and LR. So, let's say some time after the sensors are registered, the tires are rotated front to back. The sensor that was registered in the LR position is now in the LR position...and, if it were to have a problem, the code would still refer to the LF position even though the sensor is now located in the back. So, if one is not sure when the TPMS sensors were last registered and/or if the tires were rotated afterwards, the trouble code may not actually be accurate as to the actual location of the bad sensor. The only thing to do is attempt to register the sensors, again. During the process, the exterior lights will flash as each sensor is registered, however, if a sensor is dead, it won't register, thus the lights won't flash. One can use this method to locate the bad sensor(s). To do the registration process without a scan tool, the TPMS diagnostic connector is grounded 6 times in 10 seconds after turning the key to the "on" position. Then a trigger tool, which can be purchase for less than $20, is used at each sensor, in order (LF, RF, RR, LR) to register the sensor. Without the trigger tool, the tire pressures have to be adjusted 36, 33, 30 and 27 PSI in the same order previously mentioned and driven at a speed over 25 MPH for several minutes until the sensors are registered. There are YouTube vids on the procedure.

To try and reset the airbag light, try this process:

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.

If this doesn't work, you may have an actual problem that will need to be fixed in order to keep the light off. Refer to link below for the SRS section of the factory service manual. Diagnostic instructions start on page SRS-19:

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/AUTOMO ... er/srs.pdf


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