I can tell you first hand that the '04 coupes manufactured in 11/03 don't have them....at least mine doesn't. Sensible Solutions (airbagonoff.com) was supposed to come put mine in today, but they didn't show up. Nice that I took the day off to get it done. Hope it ends up being a clean install when it finally happens....$400...

Anyway, supposedly the switch that SS uses is all gold contacts, blah blah blah, and doesn't have to be replaced if the airbag ever deploys, apparently unlike most other ciruits.

 

thanks for the input. I found this to be a dissapointment since I just purchased the car and have only had it for 48 hours. I'm surprised about this, but since I'm completely sold on this car, I'll make the necessary changes so it'll be safe for my daughter in the mean time, I drive like a geriatric with her in it and the seat is all the way back, and by no means is she allowed to bend wiggle or simply move

 

Yeah, it's tough to spend $400 on something that ideally you will NEVER use...Not exactly the first mod of choice but if you gotta, you gotta. Once I get pic's I'll post them so you can see how it turned out.

BTW, SS will put the switch wherever you want, so for a little extra, they'll actually install the switch back in the glove box or parcel box if you want them to. The only reason I opted not to was because they have to under the carpet to do it, and I DO NOT want them F'ing up my brand new car like that.

 

Update:

A very nice lady from Sensible Solutions just left my house after installing a passenger side airbag switch in the center console of my Z. I was really nervous about having this done since my car is brand new and doesn't have a scuff on it, inside or out. After reviewing her work, it appears that she did an excellent job, and was very professional. The switch fits perfectly in the console. Nice to have this done. Now I can take my son out for drives without feeling like I'm risking his well-being.

Kudos to SS for a job well-done.

 

Alright... I tried to stay out of this, but since someone already threw our name out there it makes it hard for me to hide.. These things SUCK at a dealer level. First YOU need to get the paperwork handled on your side... then after you fax it to me I get to spend about an hour on the phone and filling out legal doc's just to order it. Next it ships from a 3rd party with Nissan tags all over it.... of course this is after I do even more paperwork. Now after 1 to 2 weeks when all the paper is in order and the parts come in we can do the install. We rip out your interior to run the new factory harness in the car. The on/off switch box fills up one of your mail box slots behind the passanger seat, so you lose that. Then next to your rear view mirror on your headliner is the on/off light to tell you what mode you are in. If you have power seats we need to rewire them as the new harness is missing the proper wiring. After this we and you get to do more legal paperwork and I mail this to everyone and their second cousin. No dealer is allowed to do anything different for liability reasons, so this is a run down of what they will go through.... if you can get them to do it!! We aren't sure we will be doing them either anymore. I know that sucks, but in this day and age of law suits... we are as open to get sued as Nissan. We have sent a copy of all paperwork to our company attorney for review before we commit to anymore installs. We just have too much to lose. Don't blame your local dealer.... blame the system!!! You guy's know me well enough to know if I can make this happen for you, I will.....

 

What a pain in the @$$!!! The SS install from a customer standpoint was really quite painless...For me, this was the process:

1. Download NHTSA form from .gov website.
2. Fill out form, fax to NHTSA and wait for permission form in mail.
3. Call SS, schedule appointment.
4. SS Tech comes to my house, does perfect, un-noticeable install.
5. SS Tech has me fill out and sign 1 form acknowledging install and safety implications.
6. Write check for $400. Be happy with install.
7. Go to East coast Z meet!!!

Interesting to note was that about $150 of my $400 goes to insurance for the tech. Apparently people get hurt and killed every year doing this because of accidental airbag deployments. I believe THIS (and the hassle you wrote about is why the dealers won't do it. It has nothing to do with liability to you the car owner, it has to do with liability for their mechanics. Now that I know that, I understand why they don't want to do it.

Anyway, if you have to do it, I highly recommend the folks at Sensible Solutions. They did a great job, their switch is supposed to be the best in the industry, and the work carries a lifetime guarantee.

 

Are they national or just local? Would love to have someone to refer people to.
"EDIT" Never mind... used the search feature for yahoo... http://www.airbagonoff.com/ THANKS FOR THE INFO!!!!

 

Well, Here's my experience.

When I'm talking to the dealer about my car in fall of 2002 I bring up the Airbag issue. They promise that a kit is on the way and they'd make sure I got it installed soon.

This is important because I've convinced the wife that I'll be able to pick up our infant son from daycare from time to time.

So I take delivery of the car, and the fun begins. The dealer is no help - all they can say is the kit it $550 but can't tell me anything more, or show me any illustrations. And I have to pay for it up front and it is not refundable. NNA is not returning my calls. I do my own research, get my NTSB letter taken care of and find a few of the companies that make these kits. I'm very concerned that this thing is going to be a wart on my dash.

I express my concerns to NNA who is still not returning my calls.

So, I've had my Z for over a year and a half now, and still don't have any idea what this $550 wiring harness looks like. I keep bringing it up to my dealer who's just tired of hearing me talk about it. NNA still has not addressed my concerns with a description or illustration, and my wife reminds me all the time that I promised that with this car I would be able to pick up my son.

kcobean, can you post some pictures of this install? Thanks

 

Thanks Jeff!

Performance Nissan did install the on/off switch on my roadster with a lot of help (and apparently paperwork) from Jeff. It is quite a process to go through for both parties.

Performance did a very nice job on the install. I've seen pics of Sensible Solutions installs and their work seems good and priced right. That said, I prefer the install that Performance did with the Nissan parts. I like the fact that is using a compartment behind me versus in front. I like having my front compartment free for wallet, phone, etc. Also, I like the on/off indicator that is by the rear view mirror. The passenger and driver can clearly see if it is on or off so an adult can change it if they get in after I have driven my kids.

I want to post pics but my only camera is a video camera with a picture mode (fairly poor quality), and I would need someone to host it.

Thanks again to Jeff. My kids fight to ride with dad now...

 

Here you go:

http://cobean.homelinux.com:8080/ind...owimages&fid=5

The pictures only show the console box because that's all there is to it. They pulled off the panel and drink holder under the pass. airbag, and I think the cover (dash-panel) that overs the airbag, though I didn't actually see it removed.

In response to gohorhay's comment about the switch going behind the seat vs. in the console.....SS will install the switch anywhere you want it. They told me that installation in the rear compartment would cost a little extra because of the extra time and the extension of the wiring harness. I decided not to do this because it's a pain getting back there with a key everytime I have my son in the car, so I put it where I could get to it comfortably from the drivers seat without having to be a contortionist...To each his own, though.

 

If anyone wants one I have one I would sale thats never been installed. It is nissan and comes with no instructions.

 

Just purchased a 2004 350 new a month ago - I find no switch anywhere in the console. Which model 350 do you have? Perhaps it is not on all models.

 

K,

Thanks for the pictures. I really appreciate the effort, and I'm glad you are happy with the results.

Unfortunately, it confirms all of my fears that the kit is not very well integrated into the design of the Z interior. I was hoping that the switch would fit nicely into one of the blanks on the dash or center console.

If Nissan, GM and others can make this a standard, integrated basic feature on every cheap compact truck on the planet, why can't they make this a reasonable, integrated option on a sportscar they are trying to sell to american car enthusiasts, who just may happen to have a child or two???????/

 

Yeah, this DEFINITELY is an aftermarket installation. If you want a factory installed look, you could buy the Nissan part and have it installed by the folks at SS. I've never seen pictures of this install though.

 

I have the factory switch installed. It is not in the center console but in one of the boxes behind your seat. It does fit nicely in there though. There is also a on/off indicator which is installed by the rear view mirror. It's a pretty extensive install, but the finished product doesn't detract from the look of the interior.

 

Do you know if SS will install in Raleigh NC ?
Has anyone in Raleigh NC had an air bag on off switch installed?
I have already filled out the form and faxed it back to NHTSA.

 

They should. Check http://www.airbagonoff.com for details, but they are supposed to be a nationwide installer. I just happened to be within driving distance for them.

 

Where are some other locations of places that people have installed the switch. I have a Navigation system so I'm looking for another location for the switch.

 

Hey,
They will install it anywhere you want (an additional fee may apply for difficult locations that require extensions of the wiring harness, removal of seats, carpet, etc.) I initially wanted mine in the glove box or one of the smaller storage compartments behind the seats, but I have my son with me often enough that it would be a pain to have to continually get back there and flip the key.

I may, however, end up changing the location anyway. I'm really thinking about going F/I next year, and if I do, I might end up putting the additional guages in the console, in which case, the switch has to move. I guess we'll just have to see.

Some of the pictures on SS's site shows the switch in the passenger footwell area, but I thought it really detracted from the look of the interior.. I wanted it hidden.

 

So here's my experience.... I was ready to buy an 04 touring but I wanted to know about the airbag off issue. I was told there was a part etc... I found out that my dealer in canada wouldn't order it in and wouldn't install it either. They told me to call NNA and get the names and numbers of gov. agencies to call to allow this to happen. The next time I'm in it's a different sales guy and he tells me that there is a sendsor system in the 04's that based upon the weight of the passenger automatically kills the bag. The same system used in Nissan's minivans....

I tell the guy to do his homework as I already have a copy of the service manual and there is no mention of this 'system' whatsoever. It was priceless. The guy had to go and research something for 15 minutes before he came back and agreed with me.

For a car that costs over 46K CDN this kind of treatment just isn't good enough.

It was coincidental that on the same day I test drove a very low mileage 2001 6sp loaded convertible C5 at another dealer. That Vette is in my garage right now.

btw C5's come with the airbag switches in the glove box.