CS_AR

My 99 I30 was t-boned on July 3rd. I've replaced the doors and had the B and C pillars pulled out so the doors will seal. I found air bags and controller from a 98 model at my local salvage yard. I know the 99 model uses a different ECU due to NATS. Will air bags and controller from a 99 model work on a 99 model.

Note: I've successfully reset the air bag switch on the 99 model when I installed seats (and a line resistor) from a 96 model that did not have the seat mounted air bag.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

The air bag controller that sits under the center console has different part numbers for 98 and 99 Maximas. That would mean there is some difference but I don't know what it would be.

28556-1L226 for cars made 07/1996 to 06/1998 (97 & 98 models)
28556-4L626 for cars made 06/1998 to 05/1999 (99 model)

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Your I30 has side impact air bags. You need a controller from a model that also had side impact bags. The 99 SE Maxima with Leather has side impact bags. A 98 Maxima doesn't have side impact bags.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

If it helps to confuse things even further, my 98 I30 does have side impact bags AND perforated leather.

If you can find a dual plug (driver/passenger + both sides) airbag computer that goes under the center console from a 98 I30 or 99 Maxima, you should be OK.

CS_AR

Actually my 99 I30 has leather seats from a 97/98 Maxima without the seat side air bags. I dropped a resistor (I can post a pic and ohm value) in the line where the plug would normally go into the seat -- then reset the air bag controller (door switch taps) and it worked fine.

If the 98 modes controller does not support the seat bags, that is fine for this I30 that no longer has seat air bags. My worry will be with the Air bag controller, ECU, and possible BCM communication.

I can switch out the airbags, controller, and BCM from a 98 model if those will work with the 99 model ECU -- that has NATS..

maxfever1987

iTrader: (93)

Your wrong, some 98 maxima do have side impact airbags, that was the first year maxima was introduced with them

BlackThornDemon

From what I've read if it comes with the cold weather package it has side air bags. The only thing I know for sure is the side air bags have a separate plug in the module and wires. Also you need a big Torx security driver to take the module out.

I snagged some nice heated leather seats with side air bags from the junkyard. Never wired the air bags up because I didn't have the Torx to get the module. And the junkyard got rid of the car now. :/

And, just in case you don't know, you should always disconnect the battery when messing with air bags. There's always a chance you could set one off. I'm pretty sure all the air bag wires in a Max are bright yellow too with funny little connectors.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Good stuff. And to add to that, because these cars are old now, you may experiecne flashing airbag light on occaission. The fix is easy:

1. Unplug battery. Wait 15 minutes.
2. Unplug and lubricate/clean etc the yellow connectors just as you would clean any rusty electrical connection.
3. re-connect battery.
4. Reset airbag computer by pushing the driver's door jamb button several times just after you turn the key to the RUN position (all idiot lights lighting up)
5. Done.

The drivers side airbag has 2 yellow connectors, one in front directly under the seat, and the other in the back where you have to remove the rear pocket pouch.

The passenger side airbag has only a single yellow connector under the seat like the drivers side.

Usually the airbag light goes off indicating one side only, but you're best off cleaning both.

CS_AR

Thanks for the information. I think I can use airbags and a controller from a 98 model. I've seen airbag and controller sets for sale on eBay in the $150 price range. The 98 and 99 model years seem to use one model where earlier years use a different model.

A couple years ago, I swapped in some tan leather Maxima seats that did not have the side air bag. Here's how I got the airbag light to go off.

1) Take an Ohm meter and measure the resistance on the plug for the seat with air bags.

2) Purchase two resisters at Ohm rating from step 1.

3) Use the plug from the old seat with the resister to make a new plug that only has the resistor for bypassing the seat airbag.

4) Install the plug and reset the SRS system using the door switch method mentioned earlier in this thread.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

My 98 has side airbags. There are separate sensors located at the bottom of each B pillar just for those. Since you've already bypassed the seats I'd say you could wire in any airbag module which would control the 2 main bags.