This is based off of the info from this thread: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=409727

I wanted to start my own since I took some pics and have a write up for anyone else who needs to do this.

The following steps are credited to MerlotMax & Nissan Service Manual pdf's:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....77#post4497877

First make sure you have the part:



1) Disconnect negative battery cable; wait 10 mins (no taking chances with the airbags!)

2) remove the plastic cover on the bottom of the steering wheel; disconnect the wiring connections -- I believe there are two connectors.
I removed the cover but did not disconnect anything. I talked to the dealer in the morning and he said you could still leave them connected if I wanted.

3) Remove the little plastic covers on the side of the steering wheel; using the T30 bit, remove the airbag unit screws.
I bought mine from Harbor Freight about 10 years ago. I am sure they still carry it


4) Remove the airbag module -- it should easily pull out.


5) Replace the audio switch -- connections/screws are pretty obvious

6) Put everything back...
The service manual calls for the screws holding the airbag to be replaced. I talked to the dealer and he said I would be fine using the original screws. He said I could use some threadlock. Be very careful with the threadlock...use some newspaper on your carpet or something because this stuff is very runny and if you drop a bolt with threadlock, I doubt it would come out of the carpet easily.

This is left over from my old ford. Did soo many damn repairs that this stuff should have came with the car.


**Warning be careful when working with the srs system. My service manager was like you should be fine as long as you dont do anything really stupid.

Precautions from the service manual:
CAUTION:
I Always place air bag module with pad side facing upward.
I Do not attempt to disassemble air bag module.
I The special bolts are coated with bonding agent. Do not
use old bolts after removal; replace with new ones.
I Do not insert any foreign objects (screwdriver, etc.) into
air bag module connector.

SBF814E
I Replace air bag module if it has been dropped or sustained
an impact.
I Do not expose the air bag module to temperatures exceeding
90°C (194°F).
I Do not allow oil, grease or water to come in contact with
the air bag module.

**

Also, if you have an aftermarket radio (Eclipse in my case), make sure to disable any anti theft systems (ie ESN). In addition if you are using any system critical settings such as an active X-Over, you may lose those when your car looses power, so be careful when starting up for the first time.

 

Good job and details on the write-up. I have been having intermittent problems with my controls and this will help me take it out.
Did it look like the actual audio control could be opened (so I can first try cleaning the contacts)?

 

Just popped my old set open. It looks flawless except for some light wear on the contacts from the button side. But to me, it makes absolutely no sense why all buttons would not work when the thing was acting up.

 

Nice write up sir.

 

Ok, now this is just wierd. When my old controls would work, they would NEVER work when the wheel was turned. My new buttons work when I'm doing U-turns. Was never able to do that before. Wonder if it is just a loose connection issue? Next person who tries this, I suggest you just check all your connections and not replace/repair anything.

 

Very well done and written up. You fixed it dude!

 

I am having issues with mine intermittently working. I will give your "disconnect and reconnect" method a try first. 60 clams for that is just insane. My car only had 45K on it.

 

Mine doesnt work either will see the connection is well connected
And thanks for the write up
good job

 

I am having issues as well, where are those reference pictures at?

 

This thread is nearly a year old. The pictures may no longer be hosted anywhere.

 

I have the pictures somewhere. Let me dig them up.

 

I would appreciate it

 

pictures are back