NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owner's Guide

retractor. These seat belts are used the same as
conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care should
be taken not to inhale it as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
seat belt system, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light
will not come on, will flash inter-
mittently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain
on after the ignition key has been turned to the
ON or START position. In this case, the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function properly.
They must be checked and repaired. Take your
vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat
belt system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELSWarning labels about the supplemental air bag
system are placed in the vehicle as shown in the
illustration.
SSS0206
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, display-
ing
in the instrument panel, monitors the
circuits of the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag (if so equipped) and
curtain side-impact air bag (if so equipped for
Coupe models) systems, and pre-tensioner seat
belt. The circuits monitored by the air bag warn-
ing light are the diagnosis sensor unit, satellite
sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag
modules, curtain side-impact air bag modules,
pre-tensioner seat belt and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-
nates. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing:

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.

The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags, curtain
side-impact air bags and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt may not operate properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that thesupplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags (if so equipped), curtain side-
impact air bags (if so equipped for Coupe
models) and pre-tensioner seat belt are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a
reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemen-
tal air bag warning light will remain illuminated
after inflation has occurred. Repair and replace-
ment of these systems should be done only by a
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags, side air
bags, curtain side-impact air bags, related parts
and pre-tensioner seat belt should be pointed
out to the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or inside
the vehicle.
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WARNING

Once the supplemental front air bag,
side air bag or curtain side-impact air
bag has inflated, the air bag module
will not function again and must be
replaced. Additionally, if any of the
supplemental front air bags inflate,
the activated pre-tensioner seat belt
must also be replaced. The air bag
module and pre-tensioner seat belt
system should be replaced by a
NISSAN dealer. The air bag modules
and pre-tensioner seat belt system
cannot be repaired.

The supplemental front air bag and
side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and pre-tensioner seat
belt system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage
to the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.

If you need to dispose of these
supplemental systems or scrap the
vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer.Correct disposal procedures are set
forth in the appropriate NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual. Incorrect disposal pro-
cedures could cause personal injury.1-22
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PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGEIf you are wearing your seat belt properly ad-
justed and you are sitting upright and well back
in your seat, your chances of being injured or
killed in an accident and/or the severity of injury
may be greatly reduced. NISSAN strongly en-
courages you and all of your passengers to
buckle up every time you drive, even if your
seating position includes a supplemental air bag.
Most states, provinces or territories re-
quire that seat belts be worn at all times
when a vehicle is being driven.
WARNING

Every person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.

The belt should be properly adjusted
to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint system and increase thechance or severity of injury in an
accident. Serious injury or death can
occur if the seat belt is not worn
properly.

Always route the shoulder belt over
your shoulder and across your chest.
Never run the belt behind your back
under your arm or across your neck.
The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your
shoulder.
SSS0136
SEAT BELTS
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Position the lap belt as low and snug
as possible around the hips, not the
waist. A lap belt worn too high could
increase the risk of internal injuries
in an accident.

Be sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.

Do not wear the belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its ef-
fectiveness.

Do not allow more than one person
to use the same belt.

Never carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts. This
vehicle has only two seating posi-
tions. Do not allow anyone to ride in
the cargo area.

If the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ONwith all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indi-
cate a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Once the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and
must be replaced together with the
retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.

Removal and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system compo-
nents should be done by a NISSAN
dealer.

All seat belt assemblies including re-
tractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected after any colli-
sion by your NISSAN dealer. NISSAN
recommends that all seat belt as-semblies in use during a collision be
replaced unless the collision was mi-
nor and the belts show no damage
and continue to operate properly.
Seat belt assemblies not in use dur-
ing a collision should also be in-
spected and replaced if either dam-
age or improper operation is noted.
SSS0134
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CHILD SAFETYChildren need adults to help protect them.
They need to be properly restrained.
WARNING

Never let children 12 or under ride in
this vehicle. Do not attempt to hold
them in your lap or arms.

Never let children stand or kneel on
any seat and do not allow a child in
the cargo areas while the vehicle ismoving. The child could be seriously
injured or killed in an accident or
sudden stop.
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental
front impact air bag system for the front passen-
ger. See “Supplemental restraint system” earlier
in this section. Therefore, children 12 or under
should not ride in this vehicle without installing
an air bag ON/OFF switch.
OBTAINING AN AIR BAG ON/OFF
SWITCHIf you must transport a child in this vehicle, you
may be eligible to have an air bag ON/OFF
switch installed. US and Canadian governments
have procedures that allow you to apply for
permission to have your vehicle fitted with an air
bag ON/OFF switch. Such a switch is available
for purchase from NISSAN. If you have ques-
tions about the government application proce-
dures, contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs
Department listed earlier in this manual.
AFTER AN AIR BAG ON/OFF
SWITCH IS INSTALLED
WARNING
Infants and children need special pro-
tection. The vehicle’s seat belts may not
fit them properly. The shoulder belt may
come too close to the face or neck. The
lap belt may not fit over their small hip
bones. In an accident, an improperly
fitting seat belt could cause serious or
fatal injury. Always use appropriate
child restraints.
All US states and provinces of Canada require
the use of approved child restraints for infants
and small children. (See “Child restraints” later in
this section.)
In addition, there are many types of child re-
straints available for larger children which should
be used for maximum protection.Infants and small childrenNISSAN recommends that infants and small
children be placed in child restraints that comply
with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You
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should choose a child restraint that fits your
vehicle and always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.Larger childrenChildren who are too large for child restraint
systems should be seated and restrained by the
seat belts which are provided.
If the child’s seating position has a shoulder belt
that fits close to the face or neck, the use of a
booster seat (commercially available) may help
overcome this. The booster seat should raise the
child so that the shoulder belt is properly posi-
tioned across the top, middle portion of the
shoulder and the lap belt is low on the hips. The
booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and have
a label certifying that it complies with Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once the child
has grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or
near the face and neck, use the shoulder belt
without the booster seat.PREGNANT WOMENNISSAN recommends that pregnant women use
seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug,
and always position the lap belt as low as
possible around the hips, not the waist. Place
the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across
your chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt overyour abdominal area. Contact your doctor for
specific recommendations.
INJURED PERSONSNISSAN recommends that injured persons use
seat belts, depending on the injury. Check with
your doctor for specific recommendations.THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WARNING

Every person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.

Do not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident
you could be thrown into it and re-
ceive neck or other serious injuries.
You could also slide under the lap
belt and receive serious internal inju-
ries.

For most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat
should be upright. Always sit wellback in the seat and adjust the seat
belt properly.
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Fastening the seat belts1. Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this
section.
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until it
clicks.
The retractor is designed to lock during a
sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion will permit the belt to move, and
allow you some freedom of movement in
the seat.
3. Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack. Make sure the
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and across your chest.
The front passenger seat belt has a cinching
mechanism for child restraint installation. It is
referred to as the automatic locking mode. (Also
remember, if you need to install a child restraint,
first obtain an air bag ON/OFF switch and turn
the passenger air bag OFF.)
When the cinching mechanism is activated the
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the
seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle and
fully retracted. For additional information, see“Child restraints” later in this section.
The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the locking mode should not be acti-
vated. If it is activated it may cause uncom-
fortable seat belt tension.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be cer-
tain that seatbacks are completely se-
cured in the latched position. If they are
not completely secured, passengers
may be injured in an accident or sudden
stop.
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Unfastening the seat beltsTo unfasten the belt, press the button on the
buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract.Checking seat belt operationYour seat belt retractors are designed to lock
belt movement using two separate methods:

when the belt is pulled quickly from the
retractor.

when the vehicle slows down rapidly.
You can check their operation as follows:

grasp the shoulder belt and pull quickly for-ward. The retractor should lock and restrict
further belt movement.
If the retractor does not lock during this check or
if you have any questions about belt operation,
see your NISSAN dealer.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERSIf, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available. The ex-
tender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of
length and may be used for either the driver or
passenger seating position. See your NISSAN
dealer for assistance if the extender is required.
WARNING

Only NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment belts,
should be used with NISSAN seat
belts.

Persons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result in
serious personal injury in the event
of an accident.

Never use seat belt extenders to in-
stall child restraints. If the child re-
straint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop. (Also re-
SSS0021
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member never to use a child restraint
unless an air bag ON/OFF switch has
been installed and is being used
properly.)
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
To clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.

If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.

Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
The information in this section is pro-
vided only for those owners who have
received permission to install an air bag
ON/OFF switch and the switch has been
installed. See “Obtaining an air bag
ON/OFF switch” earlier in this manual.
Never let children 12 or under ride in this
vehicle unless an air bag ON/OFF
switch is installed and it is being prop-
erly used.
WARNING

Infants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.

Infants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is notpossible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.

Never install a child restraint in the
front seat unless an air bag ON/OFF
switch has been installed and the air
bag has been turned OFF. An inflat-
ing supplemental air bag could seri-
ously injure or kill your child.

An improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
CAUTION
For Roadster models, when installing a
child restraint, be sure to turn off the
automatic passenger seatback tilt func-
tion with the seatback tilt cancel switch
(located on the back of the passenger
CHILD RESTRAINTS
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