I just got two front maxima leather seats with airbags, both powered and hook up to the existing wires. The question is does the airbags automatically work without any special modifications

 

Side impact bags will only work in a car that has an SRS system for side impact bags. I think only the 99 leather option got you side impact bags. You can't take a car with only front bags, bolt in two seats with side bags and get them to work. The car wasn't designed for it, and has no trigger or side impact sensors.

 

^^^correct. there are no sensors to detect an impact so the airbags won't work....

 

I have a 98 with side impact and leather.

 

yup, my 98 has side bags too... it was part of the package with heated seats and outside mirrors.

 

Yup...got that too.

 

That's it, part of the cold weather package.

 

you would have to install the side impact sensors. they are at the bottom of the b pillar. you are better off leaving them unhooked. dont mess with them or they could go off.