Credit: Jarvon Williamson / Caleb Anderson
Credit: Noah Vella
I had trouble finding a decent OEM type option so I hope this helps a few people out. I was originally going to wrap the chrome black but it actually matches the e-brake button, Nissan emblem and door handles so I think I’ll keep it chrome.
Shift knob:
You can find these on online (eBay) between $15.00 to $20.00 shipped from China. The common search words are “6 Speed Gear Shift Knob For Nissan X-Trail T30 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 07″.
You will need this adapter:
- Price: $7.99
- Description: Kei Project Metric Thread Stainless Steel Shift Knob Shifter Manual Stick Adapter Insert Kit 12×1.25 to 10×1.25 Lock Nut Included
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2SPAWU
Before:
Parts:
After:
Community Member Credit: Kristian Abrams
The installation was very simple. Just take off the rail brackets that attach the seat to the floor of the car and weld those on the rails of the Recaro.
Community Member Credit: Justin Funck
Notes:
- Nismo Recaro Sportser CS Seat.
- 100% bolt up and go.
- Seat height modified to accommodate 6”3 driver with helmet.
- It’s actually a passenger side seat that I modified for the driver. Recline knob is still accessible. My car didn’t come factory with side airbags so that wasn’t an issue for me.
Credit: kukx30de
Found a set of Heated 7th gen seats locally that were in good shape. Got them home, cleaned them up, some modifications using the 5th gen bottom frame and 7th gen backrest and voila they work great!
Still to do:
- Add some leather on bottom of frame to cover up some open areas
- Mate heated seat wiring to 5th gen harness
- Figure out how to fit 7th gen thigh extender on 5th gen driver frame
- Complete driver side
I can already say the 7th gen seat is so much better to ‘hug’ the body. I have 5.5 gen seats and I always slide around. Something to liven up the interior as part of celebrating 350k miles!
Update 4-14-2023
- And we have successful test fit and working! Minor sticking of the position switches that need a little filing and re-fitting. I was also able to use the 7th gen side trim. Thigh extension also fully functional
- Next thing will be to get the power lumbar working.
- Tried the seats around the block and just love the hug feeling vs sliding around in the 5.5gen seats I had!
Cheers!
Community Member Credit: EddyMaxx
I was looking to replace the steering wheel on my 1998 4thgen Nissan Maxima. I looked at various options and came across an 8thgen steering wheel that fits perfectly and literally plug-n-play (for the fitment and airbag wiring). It feels and looks much better than the regular 4thgen steering wheel. It’s also a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Overall, I’m very happy with the results. It took me about 45-minutes to get everything set up and installed. The cruise control wiring is optional but does require additional wiring if you want to retain the ones on the 8thgen steering wheel. You also need to ensure you get the steering wheel with regular cruise control, not intelligent cruise control.
Installation Details:
- This setup uses the existing 4thgen Maxima clock spring. The 8thgen steering fits perfectly with no issues. All you need to do is route the clockspring wires through the center of the wheel.
- I recommend going with the 2016-2018 Maxima steering wheel and airbag combination. 2016-2018 have one airbag plug and the late 2018-2021 have two plugs. You need a single airbag plug for the 4thgen.
- You cannot use a 2019-2021 airbag on a 2016-2018 steering wheel or vice versa. They have different mounting points. See reference photo in this post.
- To retain cruise control, you need to get a steering wheel without intelligent cruise control. If you don’t care about cruise control (or will re-route your existing controls to a different location), then you are good.
- The airbag wiring is very easy. I used a spare 6thgen Maxima air plug to make mines plug and play. Check my video in this post to see more info on it. The 4thgen airbag connector has two wires, making it super easy to make a plug-and-play harness. I tested this out and can confirm you don’t get any flashing airbag lights.
- For the horn, you use your existing ground wire from the 4thgen steering wheel.
- If you want to retain the heated feature, you will need to route the two extra wires. You can wire it up to a separate switch or an OEM timer-based switch.
- The 4thgen did not come with steering wheel audio controls. You can make it work with an aftermarket device but will make the project more complex.
Working Features
- 100% Working Airbag (No Blinking Airbag Light)
- 100% Working Horn
- 100% Working Heated Wheel Function (If wired)
Total Cost: $280.00
- Airbag: $180.00
- Steering Wheel: $100.00
Regular Cruise Control vs Intelligent Cruise Control
2016-2018 vs 2019-2021 Steering Wheel Comparison
Installation Photos
Airbag Information
Credit: Noah Vella
Notes:
- I got them off by hand (pull and twist). Cleaned up rust, painted with Por-15
- Heated up the new pedal pads with a heat gun
- Lubed the pedal with sprayaway glass cleaner
- Installed by hand/small flat head
- Total time: 20 mins
- Total price: $85
- In my opinion, it’s well worth the time and money spent
Credit: kukx30de
Found a couple i30s in our local salvage yard in good shape so got the cluster from them to see how much work this would take. I wanted to keep original mileage(my 5th gen is now at 323k). I tried the chip de-soldering but failed on the i30 board so had to explore options
With modifications to the plastic board and the PCB holes for the gauges, the 5th gen board can fit into the I30 cluster. Next project replace climate control buttons as they are pretty scratched up! Pics below.
Before. Stock 5th gen.
Black out effect of I30
I30 gauges with LED backlight instead of stock EL tube.
Community Member Credit: Shawn Broomes / Emily Wesner
Whoever else does this, make sure to get an extra harness for front heated seats, extra front console back cover for trimming/fitment & patience.
Owner: Selrahc Seven
Year: 2005
Model: Altima
Color: Code Red
Engine: Gen2 VQ35DE
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Trim: SE-R
