I own a 1999 Nissan Maxima. The airbag light started to flash for no apparent reason. Vehicle was taken to tynans Nissan in ft. Collins, co on July 2, 2004 for diagnostics. Was informed that a module was defective, authorized ordering new module ($450). Returned on 7/20/04 for replacement, was told that the error was misdiagnosed and a service bulletin (ntb00-043) stated that " if a 1998 or 1999 Maxima has the SRS light flashing... install a SRS side air bag module of the type indicated in the parts information to resolve this incident. This new side air bag module (with long harness) replaces both the air bag module and the seat sub-harness." I refused to authorize this repair, the dealership then replaced the original parts. The problem then went away. Root cause is the manufacturer originally used a two piece wire harness that may (in my case does) become disconnected when the seat is moved throughout its range of motion. The replacement harness is longer and has a direct connection according to Nissan. I strongly feel that this safety issue should be the responsibility of the oem not the consumer due to the flaw in design. If someone not as technical as myself (electronics and manufacturing engineer) was to have this problem they would be responsible for over $1000 in cost due to Nissan poor design.

- Berthoud, CO, USA