NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Repair Manual

The front passenger seat belt sensors are de-
signed to detect if the seat belt is buckled and the
amount of tension on the seat belt, such as when
it is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint
mode) . Based on the weight on the seat detected
by the weight sensor and the belt tension de-
tected on the seat belt, the advanced air bag
system determines whether the front passenger
air bag should be automatically turned OFF as
required by the regulations.
Front passenger seat adult occupants who are
properly seated and using the seat belt as out-
lined in this manual should not cause the passen-
ger air bag to be automatically turned OFF. For
small adults it may be turned OFF. Also, if the
occupant takes his/her weight off the seat cush-
ion (for example, by not sitting upright, by sitting
on an edge of the seat, or by otherwise being out
of position) , this could cause the sensor to turn
the air bag OFF. In addition, if the occupant
improperly uses the seat belt in the automatic
locking mode (child restraint mode) , this could
cause the air bag to be turned OFF. Always be
sure to be seated and wearing the seat belt
properly for the most effective protection by the
seat belt and supplemental air bag.
NISSAN recommends that pre-teens and chil-
dren be properly restrained in a rear seat.
NISSAN also recommends that appropriate child
restraints and booster seats be properly installedin a rear seat. If this is not possible, the weight
sensor and seat belt sensors are designed to
operate as described above to turn the front
passenger air bag OFF for specified child re-
straints as required by the regulations. Failing to
properly secure child restraints and to use the
automatic locking mode (child restraint mode)
may allow the restraint to tip or move in an acci-
dent or sudden stop. This can also result in the
passenger air bag inflating in a crash instead of
being OFF. See “Child restraints” earlier in this
section for proper use and installation.
If the front passenger seat is not occupied and
the seat belt is not buckled, the passenger air bag
is designed not to inflate in a crash. However,
heavy objects placed on the seat could result in
air bag inflation, because of the object’s weight
detected by the weight sensor. Other conditions
could also result in air bag inflation, such as if a
child is standing on the seat, or if two children are
on the seat, contrary to the instructions in this
manual. Always be sure that you and all vehicle
occupants are seated and restrained properly.
Using the passenger air bag status light, you can
monitor when the front passenger air bag is au-
tomatically turned OFF. The light will illuminate
(indicating the air bag is OFF and will not inflate)
when the front passenger seat is not occupied.
If an adult occupant is in the seat and the pas-
senger air bag status light is illuminated (indicat-
ing that the air bag is OFF) , it could be that the
person is a small adult, or is not sitting on the seat
or using the seat belt properly. If a child restraint
must be used in the front seat, but the status light
is not lit (indicating that the air bag might inflate in
a crash) , it could be that the child restraint or seat
belt is not being used properly. If such situations
happen, properly position and restrain the occu-
pant or child restraint. Otherwise reposition the
occupant or child restraint in a rear seat.
If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air
bag system, the passenger air bag status
light
or, located under the climate
controls, will illuminate and the supplemental air
bag warning light
, located in the meter and
gauges area in the center of the instrument panel,
will blink. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-43
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Other supplemental front air bag precau-
tions
WARNING
cDo 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 steering
wheel or instrument panel. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous projec-
tiles and cause injury if the supplemen-
tal front air bag inflates.
c Immediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.
c No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This is
to prevent accidental inflation of the
supplemental air bag or damage to the
supplemental air bag system.
c Do not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension 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 instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
c Modifying or tampering with the front
passenger seat may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial on the seat cushion or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, on the seat that are not specifi-
cally designed to assure proper air bag
operation. Additionally, do not stow any
objects under the front passenger seat
or the seat cushion and seatback. Such
objects may interfere with the proper
operation of the occupant classifica-
tion system (weight sensor) .
c No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the seat belt system. This may affect the
supplemental front air bag system.
Tampering with the seat belt system
may result in serious personal injury. c
Work on and around the supplemental
front air bag system should be done by
a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
cal equipment should also be done by a
NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) wiring should not
be modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used on
the air bag system.
c A cracked windshield should be re-
placed immediately by a qualified re-
pair facility. A cracked windshield could
affect inflation of the supplemental air
bag system.
c The SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental front air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri-
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
1-44Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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Supplemental side-impact air bag and
curtain side-impact air bags system (if
so equipped)
The supplemental side-impact air bags are lo-
cated in the outside of the seatback of the front
seats. The supplemental curtain side-impact air
bags are located in the side roof rails. These
systems are designed to meet voluntary guide-
lines to help reduce the risk of injury to out-of-
position occupants.However, all of the infor-
mation, cautions and warnings in this
manual still apply and must be followed.
The supplemental side air bags and curtain side-
impact air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity side collisions, although they may inflate
if the forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity side impact. They are
designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle
is impacted. They may not inflate in certain side
collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag inflate, a fairly loud noise may
be heard, followed by release of smoke. This
smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire.
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.
Supplemental side air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the chest and pelvic area of the front occupants.
Curtain side-impact air bags help to cushion the
impact force to the head of occupants in the front
and rear outboard seating positions. They can
help save lives and reduce serious injuries. How-
ever, an inflating side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag may cause abrasions or other
injuries. Supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bags do not provide restraint to
the lower body.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. Rear seat passengers should be seated as
far away as practical from the door finishers and
side roof rails. The side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bag inflate quickly in order to help
protect the front occupants. Because of this, the
force of the side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against, these
air bag modules during inflation. The side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag will deflate
quickly after the collision is over.
The supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bags operate only when the
ignition switch is in the ON or START posi-
tions.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
LRS0259
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-45
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WARNING
cDo not place any objects near the seat-
back of the front seats. Also, do not
place any objects (an umbrella, bag,
etc.) between the front door finisher
and the front seat. Such objects may
become dangerous projectiles and
cause injury if the supplemental side air
bag inflates.
c Right after inflation, several side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system
components 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 side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system. This is to prevent acci-
dental inflation of the side air bag and
curtain side-impact air bag or damage
to the side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag system.
c Do not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or side panel. This
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system. c
Tampering with the supplemental side
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial near the seatbacks or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, around the side air bag.
c Work around and on the side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.
Installation of electrical equipment
should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. The SRS wiring harnesses*
should not be modified or discon-
nected. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the side air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag system and
guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this
Owner’s Manual.
Pre-tensioner seat belt system (Front
seats)
WARNING
c The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
reused after activation. It must be re-
placed together with the retractor and
buckle as a unit.
c If 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 nec-
essary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.
c No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system. 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 per-
sonal injury.
1-46Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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cWork around and on the pre-tensioner
system should be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat
belt system.
c If you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner
disposal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental air
bag systems. Working with the seat belt retrac-
tor, it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle
becomes involved in certain types of collisions,
helping to restrain front 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.
This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a
fire. 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
system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
will not come on, will flash intermit-
tently 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 appropriate
sections in this Owner’s Manual.
1. SRS air bag warning labels
2. SRS side air bag warning label (if so
equipped)
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag systems are placed in the vehicle as shown
in the illustration.
WRS0169
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-47
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displayingin the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner
seat belt systems. The circuits monitored by the
supplemental air bag warning light are the diag-
nosis sensor unit, crash zone sensor, satellite
sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag mod-
ules, curtain side-impact air bag modules, pre-
tensioner seat belts and all related wiring. When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, 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 and curtain side-impact air bag (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt systems
need servicing:
c The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
c The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
c The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bag, supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bag (if so equipped) or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems may not operate
properly. It 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 the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact air bag systems (if so
equipped) and/or pre-tensioner seat belt
systems will not operate in an accident. To
help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belts are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a
reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemental
air bag warning light remains illuminated after
inflation has occurred. Repair and replacement of
these supplemental air bag systems should be
done only by a NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags
(if so equipped) , pre-tensioner seat belts and
related parts should be pointed out to the person
performing the maintenance. The ignition key
should always be in the LOCK position when
working under the hood or inside the vehicle.LRS0100
1-48Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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WARNING
cOnce a supplemental front air bag,
supplemental 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 belts
must also be replaced. The air bag mod-
ule and pre-tensioner seat belt system
should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
The air bag module and pre-tensioner
seat belt system cannot be repaired.
c The supplemental front air bag, side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag sys-
tems, and the 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.
c If you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat belt
system or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct supplemental
air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-49
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped) ...................2-5
Tachometer ....................................2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-8
Fuel gauge ....................................2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge .......................2-9
Voltmeter ..................................... 2-10
Fuel consumption gauge .......................2-10
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-11
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-11
Warning lights ................................ 2-11
Indicator lights ................................ 2-14
Audible reminders ............................. 2-15
Security systems ................................. 2-16
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ..........2-16
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) ........2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-19
Switch operation .............................. 2-19
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................. 2-20
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-21Xenon headlights (if so equipped)
...............2-21
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-21
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-23
Instrument brightness control ...................2-24
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-24
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-25
Horn ............................................ 2-26
Heated seat (if so equipped) .......................2-26
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-27
Power outlet ..................................... 2-27
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped) ........2-28
Storage ......................................... 2-29
Map pockets .................................. 2-29
Seatback pockets (if so equipped) ..............2-29
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-30
Cup holders .................................. 2-30
Glove box .................................... 2-31
Console box .................................. 2-31
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped) ........2-33
Covered storage box (if so equipped) ............2-34
Grocery hooks (if so equipped) .................2-34
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Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-35
Windows ........................................ 2-36
Power windows ............................... 2-36
Sunroof (if so equipped) ........................... 2-38
Automatic sunroof ............................. 2-38
Interior light ...................................... 2-39
Map lights ....................................... 2-40
Trunk light ....................................... 2-41
HomeLink Tuniversal transceiver (if so equipped) .....2-41
Programming HomeLink T....................... 2-42Programming HomeLink
Tfor Canadian
customers .................................... 2-42
Operating the HomeLink Tuniversal
transceiver .................................... 2-42
Programming trouble-diagnosis .................2-43
Clearing the programmed information ............2-43
Rolling code programming ......................2-43
Reprogramming a single HomeLink Tbutton ......2-44
If your vehicle is stolen ......................... 2-44
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1. Driver, center and passenger ventila-tors (P. 4-11)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/
turn signal switch (P. 2-21)
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped) (P. 4-42)
4. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-33, 2-26)
5. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(if so equipped) (P. 5-15)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-19)
8. Storage (if so equipped) (P. 2-29)
9. Glove box (P. 2-31)
10. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-33)
11. Heater and air conditioner (manual or
automatic) (P. 4-12, P. 4-20)
12. Power outlet or cigarette lighter
(if so equipped) (P. 2-27, P. 2-28)
13. Heated seat switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-26)
14. Shift selector lever (P. 5-7)
15. Hazard warning flasher switch
(P. 2-25)
WIC0745
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
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