i need to change my ignition switch

[trailerparkhero]

i need to change my ignition switch on my 96 maxima, but in order to do so i have to remove the steering wheel, so how do i disable the air bag? anlso. how do i tell if my maxima is a gle , gxe or what? i's a v6 4door man.tran., auot doorlocks,widows, a/c thanx

[loystock]

Welcome to NICO, the best car forum in the world.

There is no need to remove the steering wheel nor disable the airbag. Unless you know how the airbags work and wired (yellow wires) do not mess with them as they can deploy and give you more problems (and injury?).

I'm just wondering why you have to change the Ignition Switch. Is the car yours? Just kidding.

All you have to do is remove the lower steering column cover and plate (below steering column) and the upper and lower shells (covers) around the ignition switch and the key cylinder (RH) and ignition switch (LH) are then exposed. It is advisable to disconnect the battery (but the ECU may reset and the radio station presets may be lost). No big deal, IMO, unless you have SMOG check scheduled soon. It takes a while for the ECM's SRT (System Readiness Test) to be completed.

So here it is:1. Remove the lower trim - secured by 2 Philips screws at the bottom and several clips on the top and sides. One of the screws is just above the Hood Release. Remove the both screws, pull out trim from the bottom and then disconnect a connector to the trim panel.2. Remove the steering column metal plate cover - secured by 2 10mm bolts.3. Remove the Ignition Switch clamshell (top and bottom). Six Philips screws are on the lower shell - 4 on the the outboard for the clamshell and 2 at the middle for securing the lower shell to steering column. When all the screws are out, lift off the top shell. For the lower shell, pull the shell slot away from the Cylinder Key (RH) to free it and then pull it downwards.4. The Cylinder Key (RH) and the Ignition Switch (LH) are now exposed. Take note of the color-coded wires and their connections to the switch terminals. Use a smaller Philips screw driver and remove the Ignition Switch mounting screws (2-outer). 5. Pull out the ignition switch. Take note of the Key Cylinder tab orientation with respect to the Ignition Switch slot (for re-installation).6. Replace Ignition Switch and start the car to make sure Ignition Switch is working before installing the covers.7. Reverse procedure for installation.

The procedure should take you 30 minutes or less.

As for the other question, the car trim should be on the rear RG side of the car. Anyway, GLE is the top with leather seats, SE (Sports Edition) has fancy instrument gauges (switches between white and dark) and a rear spoiler while GXE is the base model, usually with cloth seats and could be automatic or manual.

[trailerparkhero]

actually its the key cylinder that i need to replace. a while ago my key broke in the ignition, so i had a friend who is a locksmith drill out the bar that holds the tumbler in the lock housing( or whatever thats called) so he could rekey it. it was supposed to be a temporary fix because at the time i was broke and a new assy. cost around $200. we have a screw holding the tumbler in place, but periodically it locks up. no problem for me, because i can make it work in about 10 minutes, but now wifey is using the car for work and she has no clue how to fix it when it happens, not to mention all the plastic covers are off so it is a quick fix, which makes the car look stolen. so as far as i can see the steering wheel must come off. i am very handy with cars, have been working on them forever, but have not had to deal with airbags before

[loystock]

You should have been specific about it. The key cylinder is secured by a retaining pin. Since the 'clamshell' is off, then you should be able to see a small access hole on the side of the cylinder. I can't remember exactly but it could be @1- 2 inches from the key. Make sure you insert the key and turn it to the ACC (1st) position to UNLOCK the steering wheel. You then need a very small screw driver (or something similar) to push the retaining pin thru the access hole and release the lock. You whould be able to remove the key cylinder together with the key.

On installation, you must have the key in the new key cylinder. If you are still unsure on how to do it, then ask for assistance from your locksmith friend. You don't want to force it as it may damage the steering column.