I just repaired the ignition switch on my Maxima 97. I hope it is the same on 96. If I remember correctly it was the same/similar model.
After going through the Chilton's manual, I realized that repairing the ignition switch is going to take quite some time as it suggested to take out the Air Bag, Steering wheel etc.
After starting on those lines I found that some part of it was not necessary for my problem. My problem was just some bad contacts inside the ignition switch (this is after the fact information though). I sanded the contacts, greased them and reassembled them. And that worked for me. In future I might have to replace the ignition switch (only the electrical switch and not the whole lock cylinder etc.) but now I can do it in 1 hour!
Here are the steps:
1. Disconnect the connection to the negative of the battery and tape it so that you don't have to worry about any short circuits
2. Wait for about 10 minutes or so, so that the airbag gets disarmed. This is not really a necessary step but a little extra precaution wouldn't harm. Keep the steering wheel centered and level
3. Remove two Philips head screws from the lowest plastic panel from the driver compartment. This is the panel that is close to the driver's knees. Remove the fuse cover from the panel so that you get access to the self locking clips that hold the panel to the body. Pinch the clips with your finger tips and pull the panel out. There are three clips that hold the panel in place. This is little tricky to explain but not as difficult to do. It took me quite some time to figure out how to take it out though. Remove the connector to the piezo buzzer which is installed on the panel
4. Remove the two Philips head/ hex head screws from the metal cover that is installed between the steering column and the above plastic panel. Pull the panel towards the steering wheel to release it from the body. This provides access to the screws on the lower plastic shell on the ignition assembly
5. Remove 6 Philips head screws from lower shell. Remove the plastic covers from the left, bottom and right (around the ignition key hole) side of the shell. Move the steering wheel to the lowest level and remove the lower and upper shell from behind the steering wheel. Now you have access to the ignition switch which is on the left hand side behind the steering wheel
6. Remove two Philips head screws that hold the ignition switch on the steering column. This is little tricky as the access to the inner screw is not straight. I used the one of the larger watch maker’s screw driver to remove it. With this the actual ignition switch is free from the column. Remove the connector and the ignition switch is ready for change.
At this point I split open the ignition switch and repaired it. It is not the best solution for this problem but I had no other alternative as it was late in the evening.
Repeat the steps in the opposite order to install. Remember to install any of the connectors that you disconnected (piezo buzzer).
I hope I have covered all the points. Please append the thread if I have missed something.
Pradeep, September 2006
