2004 Frontier Passenger Airbag Switch Fix

[Q451990]

So this is probably not something that's happened to a lot of you, but my trim panel that surrounds the radio and climate controls has apparently gotten crumbly. Couple that with a passenger airbag switch that took some wiggling to get it to move, and it broke off and fell back into the dash last week. I happen to have a little pal who occasionally rides with me who could get more harm than good by being hit in the face with an airbag, so fixing this wasn't optional.

Unfortunately the trim panel is no longer available from Nissan. I would have probably shelled out the $100+ for a new one if it wasn't non-stock, but I guess the truck is old enough to vote, and they aren't going to keep everything in stock forever.

The keyed switch sends ground to one of two wires to control if the airbag is on or off. It took some searching, but I lucked out and found a pushbutton switch that has both a normally open and normally closed output. I think it turned out looking really good, and I actually like not having to use a key to turn the airbag off. I knew it was a good day when even the color codes of the wires matched up! The two unused wires would light up an LED ring around the button, but I didn't need that to work, so I skipped it.

The switch I used is from APIELE, and it's made to fit a 16mm hole, so I had to expand the opening in the dash. I ended up using a drum tip on a Dremel tool for that. The bezel is 17.8mm, which fits perfectly in the recessed hole in the trim piece.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RL ... =UTF8&th=1

Here are some pics.

[Niti QX4]

Great fix! Thank you for posting this!

[jwax]

Nice fix! My 2010 Frontier needs the driver side airbag sensor replaced. Dealer says corrosion of the connector will mean the entire wiring harness must be replaced. ($2,000)
Looks like you just spliced in a new switch. Can I do that with a new sensor?
John

[VStar650CL]

Not sure what you mean by a sensor. There are satellite sensors in the door rockers underneath the sill trim, but the driver bag just has two normal squib connections (those are actually part of the clockspring). The parts catalog also calls the Bag Brain a "Center Sensor". Exactly what are we talking about?

[jwax]

Yes- it is called a satellite sensor that needs replacing under the sill trim. What is a "clockspring"?

[VStar650CL]

The clockspring is what connects the wires in the steering column to the airbag and switches in the steering wheel, so the wheel can turn and still maintain electrical contact. It's a flexible printed circuit that winds and unwinds like a clockspring. You'll also hear it called a spiral cable.

You can find that particular satellite sensor connector on practically any Nissan in a junkyard. The problem you're running into is that Nissan dealers (and most other garages) won't repair SRS wiring because of legal issues, even it's wiring for a sensor and not a bag. That doesn't mean you can't do it yourself. The satellite sensor is an SRS adjunct and won't explode, so there's no big risk while working on it like there is with an airbag. Just make sure the battery is disconnected while you're splicing on the replacement connector. Use solder-shrink type splices only, you don't want to give corrosion a whole new invitation by using butt crimps. You'll probably find this helpful:
https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/my-ai ... -i-do.html

[jwax]

Excellent information! Last question- I know you mentioned junk yard, but where can I buy a new satellite sensor? Again, thank you!
John

[VStar650CL]

You probably need to source that from Nissan, the aftermarket for SRS parts is pretty scanty (same deal, too many lawyers involved). I think there's a "service file" on the Frontier sensors, so I'd advise getting the right part number from the dealer Parts Dept using your VIN. Then use that number to google for it online. I'll also point out that those sensors rarely fail, so you're probably fine swiping one out of a junkyard truck along with the connector.