Just curious, has anyone installed paddle shifters withOUT the electronic steering adjustment (i.e., having the locking lever underneed the steering column)?

 

I finally got around to installing these today. Like many others in this thread, I did not feel like messing with the airbag assembly, and having to buy the T30 anti tamper bit. So, I chose to not remove the steering wheel, and keep the battery connected.
First, go into comfort and conveniece settings and turn off the "Lift Steering Wheel On Exit" feature if you have power adjust with it set to ON.
The original trim comes off rather easy if you turn the igniton to ACC so that it allows you to turn the steering wheel to access the mounting screws. From center, turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left to expose the left side trim screw. Next, from center turn it 90 degrees to the right to do the same for the right screw.
Once the bottom and both side trim screws are out, position the wheel upside down to allow for the bottom column trim to slide out easier. Obviously, you don't want to keep the igniton on ACC throughout the entire process, but you will need to toggle it on and off several times during the install to allow the steering wheel to be turned. You may need to push the turn signal and wiper levers up, down, or forward accordingly to allow for more room for your hands as you remove and reinstall the side trim pieces. Remember to return the right side lever to its normal position each time before turning the igniton to ACC or you may be surprised with the wipers blasting across the windshield as you go from ACC to OFF.
I found that once the ignition is back to OFF, the car will beep indicating that the key is still inside. Rather than closing the door and opening it again every time, just push the rubber booted button on the lower side of the B pillar.
During reassembly, start with the lower trim piece with the steering wheel back in normal position, facing up. Once the bottom screw is tight, the lower trim piece will be in position to allow the side pieces to snap into it.
The only other thing worth mentioning that I can think of at the moment is if you have power adjust, feed the connector through the new trim piece and connect it to the 4 way rocker switch before snapping the switch back into place. The switch sits inside a recess rather than a flat mounting surface like in the original trim. There is hardly any room to connect the plug once the switch has been snapped into place.
During the test drive, I found that it takes a little bit of getting used to the position of the shifters on the column as they do not turn with the wheel (a good thing in my opinion). I opted to shift from 1-2 with the console shifter when starting out from a stop and making a 90 degree left turn. Perhaps a bit more practice using my left hand to turn the wheel during both right, and left turns as I keep my right hand behind the + paddle will do the trick. Other than that, these things are a blast! The price is definitely worth the fun factor!
So this is it in a nutshell. I hope these tips aren't a repost and actually end up helping someone with their install.

 

Ok Guys, hate to resurrect an OLD thread like this, however I tried contacting Tony and Jason both have moved on from Riverside Infiniti, I am with Grubbs Infiniti in Texas and still doing the Paddle Shifter Kits, I am looking for the part number that was posted (not posted) for the trim kits, when the installer has MANUAL STEERING adjustment if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated!
Phil Johnson
Grubbs Infiniti Internet Parts
866-789-0208

 

A DIY thread is never old

I'd be definitely interested in learning that so I don't have a quarter-sized hole on the left side of the steering column trim on my 07X.

BTW, I just had my infiniti ext. warranty inspection done a few weeks ago and the service manager at Tim Dahle Infiniti told me that the computer was "throwing a code" about the steering wheel being pulled (with the batt. off)/paddles being recognized as foreign, and that since they didn't install them that they couldn't cover anything that went wrong with the wheel or column.. the ENTIRE steering column! I argued with the guy for a few minutes- can they seriously do that???

 

they have to prove that something that you installed made the problem. so if the wireing shorted and burnt the car down then yes they can but if you have a bad steering box then they have to fix it cause no way a paddle shifter burnt out a steering box

 

I have since found a kit that will work for MANAUAL STEERING, however the paddle shift kits are only available for 2007+ models

 

I did this install and it was fairly easy but my issue is that when i put the steering wheel back on it i didnt put it on exactly straight so now its off like by a couple of degrees. Is their anybody near the Orlando, FL area that can help me put it back straight because knowing Infiniti they might want to replace the whole steering column or a mechanic that is good working on Nissan/Infiniti. Thanks.

 

I don't understand

Since you know what to do from doing the original install, why not just remove and relocate the steering wheel yourself?

 

Great write up! Very useful info! +1

 

yeah why not just take the wheel back off and adjust accordingly and put back on??

 

I'm looking at getting paddle shifters but will trany work faster with them compared to center counsel? My main interest in performance side of the shifter instead of the looks.

 

doubt it... the main console "shifter" is literaly just the shifter hitting a button(completing a circut) telling the tranny to shift up or down. if im not mistaken, the paddle shifters work the same way. Just same circut completed but the buttons(paddle shifters) are just in a different location. I have an 03' and I was thinking about somehow rigging the 07+ paddle shifters to fit my 03. some cutting would be in order but I want em :P

Edit: for performance, i suggest you do the Big Three upgrade. essentially its maximizing power distribution throughout your vehicle by adding bigger grounding wires. 5AT users on this forum have noted MUCH snappier shifts while in tiptronic/manumatic/sport-shift mode. it will also eliminate most light dimming you may have from an aftermarket stereo system. I still have to finish mine, I my system robs so much power my whole car jerks like its going to die if i turn it up to loud.

 

I want something that would grab next gear as soon as I tap a paddle instead of computer taking over with what it thinks is better shift point. As close to a manual as possible.

 

perhaps the Transgo shift kit in conjunction with the big three wiring upgrade? I have heard great things about the Transgo shift kit...

 

OP, thanks for a great write up. There's a ton of talk about installing, but not much in the way of how well it works. I also, cannot stand the manual shift mode, as there's quite a bit of delay before the vehicle actually shifts, so am wondering if the paddles improve the time in that regard.