So, if you're thinking about asking my why I am changing the wheel to one that is exactly the same with different buttons, I'll tell you. Car had been in a wreck years ago, previous owner attempted to change the airbag but just ended up destroying the head of one of the t30 security screws. Couldn't get it out without heavily damaging the metal tabs that the bag bolts to, and I hate corny aftermarket wheels. So I picked this one up cheap from marketplace just to replace it and get the new airbag in and make it not look incomplete

So that brings me to now, where I was replacing the wheel, putting the new bag in, you can see the differences in the wiring in the pictures. Tightened the new bolts, took it for a drive. Auto cancelling turn signals work, cruise turns on, dont know if it sets, wasn't going fast enough when I tried. Media buttons never worked bc of aftermarket head unit, but now the horn doesn't work. was wondering if there was a wiring diagram or something of the sort I could look at for both the 04 sedan and the 06 coupe to see what I need to cut/solder/repin, or if its something else.

Also, unrelated, I think previous owner pulled the bulb for the airbag light because I drove for days without the bag in and the light was never on. Anyone know a good way to test if the system is working or check for codes without blowing a bag in my face?


06 coupe:













04 sedan:

 

Over here:
https://www.nicoclub.com/infiniti-service-manuals
Scroll down, click G35/G37/Q50, scroll down, click G35, click Sedan and 2004 for you car, OR Coupe and 06 for the wheel. The Horn circuit is shown near the end of the "ww.pdf" manual. (Below the window that the book is first displayed in is a "download" button to make life easier.)

I just took a quick look and it seems like the wire color coding for the horn button wires should be the same for both cars - but I didn't look at the pinout so dig a bit deeper. You'll need to look in various other manuals for the other steering wheel controls.

 

Verify the horn actually works, hit the panic button on your fob.

 

Fixed it. Punched the bag really hard and now it works.

 

HA! Well, there you go. You're lucky the airbag didn't ignite and punch you back!

 

Hitting the airbag doesn't set it off, ever, it requires the actuation signal from the diagnosis sensor unit, and it won't send that signal unless certain parameters are met like tripping a crash zone sensor.

I would remove the airbag and plug the spiral cable harness in all the way, sounds like you didn't get it fully plugged in and your "percussive maintenance" got it to barely make contact. It will probably wiggle loose again.

EDIT: Punching the airbag and making it discharge is one of those Hollywood movie things, like using a lighter to melt out a fire sprinkler automagically makes them ALL start spraying water, pistol/rifle suppressors making that trademark "pew pew" sound that's barely louder than a whisper, etc...

 

Yes cleric I did actually know that and I shouldn't have made that silly comment. Thanks for correcting my error and clearly explaining the facts. Even with all the precautions built into the SRS system like continual self-diagnostics, connectors which short themselves as you unplug them, etc., the instructions are still to handle the airbags with care, don't drop them, disconnect the battery before connecting or disconnecting, avoid static, etc. But yeah, it's nice to know that they won't detonate without the proper electrical charge delivered to the otherwise inert explosive.