So the previous owner put a 2000 passenger airbag (or so he remembers) in my 2002 Maxima. It fits OK, but I guess the wire harness is different. Could someone tell me if they make an adapter/connector for the airbag? If not, can I go about splicing the connections together to make a working passenger airbag? Does anybody have a wiring diagram? I couldn't find one in the FSM. Thank you!

 

Any reason that you think the air bag is different? I'd think that since they are more or less the same car, there wouldn't be an issue with interchangeability. Unless of course you are getting an Air Bag light on the dash or if I am incorrect about thinking they can be swapped between any years.

 

Well I actually just looked in the FSM a little bit more and I found the 2000 vs. 2002 Airbag wiring diagram. Apparently the 2000 used a 2 pin connector and the 2002 used a 4 pin connector.

Can anybody out there help me make heads or tails of this? Does it look possible?

 

Well when I look at the diagram, in my mind if I connect the Y/G and Y/B wire from the car to the Y/G wire in the airbag, and the Y/R and Y/PU from the car to the to the Y/R on the airbag, I will have a hacked airbag. Am I right or am I going to kill myself? Help is much appreciated.

 

It looks to me like your re-wire should work. The 2002 air bag has 2 charges in it and the 2000 has only one. You are using comparable wires, so I agree with you.

There are no adapters available legally, the government doesn't allow that. That means you are on your own. Just be careful, airbags can go off from static.

 

Thanks Dennis! Can anybody else back that up? Do you think that the airbag light will go off after a reset?

 

So I tried it and it didn't blow up in my face! Going to have the mechanic reset the airbag light, assuming it doesn't reset itself. We will see!

 

From our FAQ stickie:

2002-2003 Airbag Light Reset Procedure

If your airbag light is on (or flashing)... try this. By the way, use a stopwatch to count.... the timing must be accurate in order for it to work.

1) Turn IGNITION on (but don't start car)
2) After the AIR BAG warning lamp lights for 7 seconds, turn IGNITION off within 1 second.
3) Wait 4 seconds
4) Turn IGNITION on (but don't start car)
5) After the AIR BAG warning lamp lights for 7 seconds, turn IGNITION off within 1 second.
6) Wait 4 seconds
7) Turn IGNITION on (but don't start car)
8) After the AIR BAG warning lamp lights for 7 seconds, turn IGNITION off within 1 second.
9) Wait 4 seconds
10) Turn IGNITION on (but don't start car)
11) Wait 3 seconds
12) Turn IGNITION off
13) Wait 2 seconds
14) START Car (the light may be blinking slower than before)
15) Wait 3 seconds
16) Turn IGNITION off
17) Wait 3 seconds
18) START Car

The light should be gone unless the problem remains. Try it again if it fails. If it still remains on, you'll need to visit a dealer to have the problem looked at.

 

wow cutting and spicing airbag wiring?....really?

 

aside from the risk of getting blasted in the face while doing it, wires are wires, its not like the airbag relies on a sensitive signal that might get thrown off if the resistance is wrong. Its life consists of: nothing, nothing, nothing, GET VOLTAGE GO BOOM!

 

Speaking on airbags, has anyone gotten the notice on the passenger side airbag recall replacement of the passenger side airbags or had it replaced yet at the dealership?