2007 Airbags Light Intermittent

I've had an ongoing issue, but have somehow managed to get by the state inspection each year - until now.
2007 Prius, Tier 3.

I get the Red Airbag light, and it's related to the passenger airbag system. When the car starts, I can get the Airbag OFF light (on passenger side), but then it goes out. Then I get neither the amber "OFF" or "ON" (depending on occupancy of passenger seat - that sensor works). Only the amber "Airbag" and red symbol.
When i jiggle and re-seat the wires until the passenger seat (and sometimes disconnect the battery for 10 minutes), I can get the red light to go out for a few minutes. Then the system appears to work (I get both "ON" and "OFF" passenger airbag lights during start-up/test). But after 3 minutes, neither "ON" or "OFF" remain, and the red light is back.

I've tried replacing the seat, no joy. I've had a shop look at it for a few hours, and they couldn't find the problem. Is there anyway the dealer can take care of this for less than $1,000?

 

Not yet - I haven't pulled the trigger on techstream or a fancy code reader yet. I have disconnected the battery to reset the codes, but the light only stays off for 3 or 4 minutes. Evenentually it comes back on.