NISSAN ALTIMA 2001 L30 / 2.G Owner's Manual

Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental front air bag is lo-
cated in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger supplemental front air bag is
mounted in the dashboard above the glove
box.
These systems are designed to meet op-
tional certification requirements under U.S.
regulations. They are also permitted in
Canada. The optional certification allows
the front air bags to be designed to inflate
somewhat less forcefully than previously.
However, all of the information, cautionsand warnings in this manual still apply
and must be followed.
The supplemental front air bag system is
designed to inflate in higher severity frontal
collisions, although it may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It
may not inflate in certain frontal collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper supplemental front
air bag system operation.
When the supplemental front air bag in-
flates, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by the release of smoke. Thissmoke is not harmful and does not indicate
a fire, but care should be taken to not
intentionally inhale it, as it may cause irrita-
tion and choking. Those with a history of a
breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
The supplemental front air bags, along with
the use of seat belts, help to cushion the
impact force on the face and chest of the
occupant. They can help save lives and
reduce serious injuries. However, an inflat-
ing supplemental front air bag may cause
facial abrasions or other injuries. Supple-
mental front air bags do not provide restraint
to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
instrument panel. Since the supplemental
front air bags inflate quickly in order to help
protect the front occupants, the force of the
supplemental front air bag inflating can in-
crease the risk of injury if the occupant is too
close to or is against the supplemental front
air bag module during inflation.
The supplemental front air bags deflate
quickly after a collision.
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The supplemental front air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the
ON or START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates. The supplemental
air bag warning light will turn off after
about 7 seconds if the system is opera-
tional.
WARNING
c
Do not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steer-
ing wheel or instrument panel. Such
objects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the supple-
mental front air bag inflates.
cRight after inflation, several supple-
mental front air bag system compo-
nents will be hot. Do not touch them;
you may severely burn yourself.c
No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental front air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental in-
flation of the supplemental front air
bags or damage to the supplemental
front air bag system.
cDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the supplemental front
air bag system.
c
Tampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and the
instrument panel assembly by placing
material over the steering wheel pad
and above the dashboard, or by install-
ing additional trim material around the
supplemental front air bag system.cWork around and on the supplemental
front air bag system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Installa-
tion of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The yellow SRS wiring should
not be modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the supplemental front air bag
system.
cThe SRS wiring harnesses are cov-
ered with yellow insulation either
just before the harness connectors
or over the complete harness for
easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the supple-
mental front air bag system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in this
owner's manual.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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Supplemental side air bag system
(if so equipped)
The supplemental side air bags are located
in the outside of the seatback of the front
seats. The supplemental side air bag (on
the driver or front passenger seat) is de-
signed to inflate in higher severity side
collisions, although it may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity side impact. It is
designed to inflate on the side where the
vehicle is impacted. It may not inflate in
certain side collisions. Vehicle damage (or
lack of it) is not always an indication ofproper supplemental side air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag in-
flates, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by release of smoke. This smoke is
not harmful and does not indicate a fire, but
care should be taken to not intentionally
inhale it, as it may cause irritation and
choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags along with the
use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact
force on the chest of the front occupants.
They can help save lives and reduce seri-
ous injuries. However, an inflating side air
bag may cause abrasions or other injuries.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as
far as practical away from the supplemental
side air bag. Since the side air bag inflates
quickly in order to help protect the front
occupants, the force of the side air bag
inflating can increase the risk of injury if the
occupant is too close to or is against the
side air bag module during inflation. The
side air bag will deflate quickly after the
collision is over.The supplemental side air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the
ON or START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates. The supplemental
air bag warning light will turn off after
about 7 seconds if the system is opera-
tional.
WARNING
cDo not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door
finisher and the front seat. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the
supplemental side air bag inflates.
cRight after inflation, several supple-
mental side air bag system compo-
nents will be hot. Do not touch them;
you may severely burn yourself.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the supplemental side air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
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inflation of the side air bag or dam-
age to the side air bag system.
cDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
This could affect proper operation of
the side air bag system.
cTampering with the supplemental
side air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the front seats
assembly by placing material near
the seatback of the front seat, or by
installing additional trim material,
such as seat covers, around the side
air bag system.
cWork around and on the supplemen-
tal side air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical
equipment should also be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
SRS wiring harnesses* should not
be modified or disconnected. Unau-
thorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the side air bag system.* The SRS wiring harnesses are cov-
ered with yellow insulation either just
before the harness connectors or over
the complete harness for easy identi-
fication.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the supplemen-
tal side air bag system and guide the buyer
to the appropriate sections in this Owner's
Manual.
Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING
cThe pre-tensioner seat belt cannot
be reused after activation. It must be
replaced together with the retractor
as a unit.
cIf the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but the pre-
tensioner is not activated, be sure to
have the pre-tensioner system
checked and, if necessary, replaced
by your NISSAN dealer.cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
activation of the pre-tensioner seat
belt or damage to the pre-tensioner
seat belt operation. Tampering with
the pre-tensioner seat belt system
may result in serious personal in-
jury.
cWork around and on the pre-
tensioner system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical
test equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the pre-
tensioner seat belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual. Incor-
rect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-17
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The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem activates in conjunction with the supple-
mental front air bag. Working with the seat
belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt
the instant the vehicle becomes involved in
certain types of collisions, thereby restrain-
ing seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat
belt's 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.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-
tensioner system, the supplemental air bag
warning light
will flash intermittently
after the ignition key is turned to the ON or
START position. In this case, the pre-
tensioner seat belt will not function properly.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the pre-
tensioner seat belt system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in this
owner's manual.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental air
bag systems are placed in the vehicle as
shown in the illustration.
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light, dis-
playing
in the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air
bag, supplemental side air bag (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems. The circuits monitored by the supple-
mental air bag warning light are the diagno-
sis sensor unit, satellite sensors, front air
bag modules, side air bag modules, pre-
tensioner seat belts and all related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ON or STARTposition, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) and pre-
tensioner seat belt systems need servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bags (if
so equipped) or pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems may not operate properly. It must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to
the nearest authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-tal side air bag system (if so equipped)
or pre-tensioner seat belt systems will
not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bag modules or
supplemental side air bags are designed to
inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supple-
mental air bag light remains illuminated
after inflation has occurred. Repair and re-
placement of these supplemental air bag
systems should be done only by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, these
supplemental air bag systems must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture as noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side front
pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags and related
parts should be pointed out to the person
conducting the maintenance. The ignition
key should always be in the LOCK position
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when working under the hood or inside the
vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental front air bag
or supplemental side air bag has
inflated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be re-
placed. The air bag module should
be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The air bag module
cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental front air bag and
supplemental side air bag systems
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end or side por-
tion of the vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGE
If you are wearing your seat belt properly
adjusted, your chances of being injured or
killed in an accident and/or the severity of
injury may be greatly reduced. NISSAN
strongly encourages you and all of your
passengers to buckle up every time you
drive, even if your seating position includes
a supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. states and all Canadian prov-
inces and territories, require that seat belts
be worn at all times when a vehicle is being
driven.
WARNING
cEvery person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times. Children should be prop-
erly restrained and, if appropriate, in
a child restraint.
c
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 the
chance or severity of injury in an acci-
dent. Serious injury or death can occur
if the seat belt is not worn properly.
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SEAT BELTS
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cAlways 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.
cPosition 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 inter-
nal injuries in an accident.cBe sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.
cDo not wear the belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
cDo not allow more than one person
to use the same belt.
cNever carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.cIf the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indi-
cate a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
cOnce the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and
must be replaced together with the
retractor. See you NISSAN dealer.
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cRemoval and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system compo-
nents should be done by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
cAll seat belt assemblies including
retractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected after any colli-
sion by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. NISSAN recommends that all
seat belt assemblies in use during a
collision be replaced unless the col-
lision was minor and the belts show
no damage and continue to operate
properly. Seat belt assemblies not in
use during a collision should also be
inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is
noted.CHILD SAFETY
Children need adults to help protect
them. They need to be properly re-
strained.
The proper restraint depends on the child's
size. Generally, infants up to about 1 year
and less than 20 pounds, (9 kg) should be
placed in rear facing child restraints. Forward
facing child restraints are available for chil-
dren who outgrow rear facing child restraints.
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 improp-
erly fitting seat belt could cause seri-
ous or fatal injury. Always use appro-
priate child restraints.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or
territories 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
restraints available for larger children whichshould be used for maximum protection.
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens
and children be restrained in the rear
seat if possible. According to accident
statistics, children are safer when prop-
erly restrained in the rear seat than in the
front seat. This is especially important
because your vehicle has a supplemen-
tal restraint system (Air bag system) for
the front passenger. See ``Supplemental
restraint system'' earlier in this section.Infants and small children
NISSAN 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 should choose a
child restraint that fits your vehicle and
always follow the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for installation and use.
Larger children
Children who are too large for child re-
straints 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 avail-
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able) may help overcome this. The booster
seat should raise the child so that the shoul-
der belt is properly positioned 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 Mo-
tor 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.
WARNING
Never let a child stand or kneel on any
seat and do not allow a child in the
cargo areas while the vehicle is mov-
ing. The child could be seriously in-
jured or killed in an accident.
PREGNANT WOMEN
NISSAN 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 over your abdominalarea. Contact your doctor for specific rec-
ommendations.
INJURED PERSONS
NISSAN recommends that injured persons
use seat belts. Check with your doctor for
specific recommendations.
THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WITH RETRACTOR
WARNING
cEvery person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.
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