After starting the car, sometimes the switch wont go on its own to the position where it engages the circuit with the radio, wipers, and clock.

What is the method to replace the switch? Is it safe to assume that it must be ordered through Nissan?

Thanks in advance.

 

It isn't that difficult overall. You remove the plastic covers that are around the steering column, the plastic panel that is across the bottom of the dash and the metal plate that goes across the bottom of the steering column. Then the ignition switch comes off with 2 phillips head screws. It's advisable to disconnect the battery as there are un-insulated contacts on the ignition switch.

I think that you can only get the switch at nissan, around $40.

 

I replaced mine a few months ago in an hour or two. Switch was from autozone for some $35.

Most of my time was spent being cautious, e.g. "Did I remove all of the screws and this piece is only being held by a clip, or will I rip something if I pull harder on it?"

The next time I do one it will take less than 20 minutes.

It's very easy.

 

SEARCH man.

Phmor has a youtube video for install. Its really really really easy to install.

 

Yep using his exact video I installed a new switch in my i30 tonight while in a 7eleven parking lot. The switch finally took a turd on me so I ran to Autozone to pick one up. $34.09 with tax. looked his video up on my youtube app. Drove back to 7eve and slapped it in. only took a standard Philips screw driver.

 

If you're willing to spend the extra $10-$15, I'd get an OEM switch. It might just be me, but I've had horrible luck with aftermarket switches...from some which hate heat, to others which get "sticky" like yours. Put in an OEM one and it's outlived all of the aftermarkets I've tried combined.

 

I bought the Duralast one from Autozone. So far haven't had any problems. Car even sat all day in the sun, still fired right up. I'll update if I have issues with it in the future.

 

Hope it works out for you...I think the heat thing was the strangest issue any of mine had. Might just be bad luck for me .

 

Just replaced mine in March, piece of cake...
Got it off ebay, no issues, plug and play, fires right up...

Here's the video I used...
http://youtu.be/4ykT9uCJXSY