light NISSAN ARMADA 2004 1.G User Guide

supplemental front air bag is mounted in the
dashboard above the glove box. The supplemen-
tal front air bags are designed to inflate in higher
severity frontal collisions, although they may in-
flate if the forces in another type of collision are
similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact.
They 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.
The NISSAN advanced air bag system has dual
stage inflators. It also monitors information from
the crash zone sensor, the diagnosis sensor unit,
seat belt buckle sensors, occupant classification
sensor (weight sensor) and passenger seat belt
tension sensor. Inflator operation is based on the
severity of a collision and seat belt usage for the
driver. For the front passenger, it additionally
monitors the weight of an occupant or object on
the seat and seat belt tension. Based on informa-
tion from the sensors, only one front air bag may
inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity
and whether the front occupants are belted or
unbelted. Additionally, the front passenger air
bag may be automatically turned OFF under
some conditions, depending on the weight de-
tected on the passenger seat and how the seat
belt is used. If the front passenger air bag is OFF,
the passenger air bag status light will be illumi-
nated. See “Front passenger air bag and statuslight” later in this section for further details. One
front air bag inflating does not indicate improper
performance of the system.
If you have any questions about your air bag
system, please contact NISSAN or your NISSAN
dealer. If you are considering modification of your
vehicle due to a disability, you may also contact
NISSAN. Contact information is contained in the
front of this Owner’s Manual.
When a supplemental front air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok-
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the face and chest of the front occupants. They
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating front air bag may cause
facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags
do not provide restraint to the lower body.
Even with NISSAN advanced air bags, seat belts
should be correctly worn and the driver and pas-
senger seated upright as far as practical away
from the steering wheel or instrument panel. The
supplemental front air bags inflate quickly in order
to help protect the front occupants. Because ofthis, the force of the front air bag inflating can
increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too
close to, or is against, the front air bag module
during inflation.
The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision.
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 warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
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Front passenger air bag and status light
WARNING
The front passenger air bag is designed to
automatically turn OFF under some con-
ditions. Read this section carefully to
learn how it operates. Proper use of the
seat, seat belt and child restraints is nec-
essary for most effective protection. Fail-
ure to follow all instructions in this
manual concerning the use of seats, seat
belts and child restraints can increase the
risk or severity of injury in an accident.Status light
The front passenger air bag status lightoris located under the climate controls. It
will illuminate to indicate that the front passenger
air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash. The
light will illuminate if the front passenger seat is
unoccupied or when other conditions are met as
outlined in this section. After turning the ignition
key to the ON position the front passenger air
bag status light illuminates and will turn off after
about 7 seconds if the system is operational.
Front passenger air bag
The front passenger air bag is designed to auto-
matically turn OFF when the vehicle is operatedunder some conditions as described below in
accordance with U.S. regulations. If the front
passenger air bag is OFF, it will not inflate in a
crash. The driver air bag and other air bags in your
vehicle are not part of this system.
The purpose of the regulation is to help reduce
the risk of injury or death from an inflating air bag
to certain front passenger seat occupants, such
as children, by requiring the air bag to be auto-
matically turned OFF. Certain sensors are used
to meet the requirements.
One sensor used is the occupant classification
sensor (weight sensor) . It is in the bottom of the
front passenger seat cushion and is designed to
detect an occupant and objects on the seat by
weight. It works together with seat belt sensors
described later. For example, if a child is in the
front passenger seat, the advanced air bag sys-
tem is designed to turn the passenger air bag
OFF in accordance with the regulations. Also, if a
child restraint of the type specified in the regula-
tions is on the seat, its weight and the child’s
weight can be detected and cause the air bag to
turn OFF. Weight sensor operation can vary de-
pending on the front passenger seat belt sen-
sors.
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
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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 installed
in 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 frontpassenger 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” later 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 seator 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.
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.
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Supplemental side-impact air bag (if
so equipped) and curtain side-impact
and rollover air bags system
The supplemental side-impact air bags are lo-
cated in the outside of the seatback of the front
seats. The supplemental curtain side-impact and
rollover air bags are located in the side roof rails
in all 3 rows. These systems are designed to meet
voluntary guidelines to help reduce the risk of
injury to out-of-position occupants.However,
all of the information, cautions and warn-
ings in this manual still apply and must be
followed.The supplemental side air bags and
curtain side-impact and rollover air bags are de-signed 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.
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bags are also
designed to inflate in certain types of rollover
collisions or near rollovers.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper supplemental side air bag
and curtain air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag and curtain
air bags 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 of the front occupants. Curtain side-
impact and rollover air bags help to cushion the
impact force to the head of occupants in the front
and rear outboard seating positions in all rows.
They can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating side air bag, or
curtain 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. 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 air
bag inflate quickly in order to help protect the
occupants. Because of this, the force of the side
air bag and curtain 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 air bag will deflate
after the collision is over.
The supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact and rollover air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START positions.
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.
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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.
cIf 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 maycause irritation and choking. Those with a history
of a breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
After the pre-tensioner seat belts have activated,
load limiters allow the seat belt to release web-
bing (if necessary) to reduce forces against the
chest.
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.
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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
bags and supplemental side air bags are placed
in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.
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 and rollover air bag 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, rollover sensor, front air bag modules,
side air bag modules, curtain air bag modules,
pre-tensioner seat belts and all related wiring.
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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, curtain air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt
systems need servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
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 and curtain air
bag or pre-tensioner seat belt systems may not
operate properly. It must be checked and re-
paired. 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 air bag systems and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems will not oper-
ate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags, curtain air bags and pre-tensioner
seat belts are designed 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 air bags, pre-
tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce a supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag or curtain air
bag has inflated, the air bag module will
not function again and must be re-
placed. Additionally, if any of the
supplemental front air bags inflate, the
activated pre-tensioner seat belts must
also be replaced. The air bag module
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.
cThe supplemental front air bag, side air
bag and curtain air bag systems, 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.
cIf 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.
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WARNING
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 internal injuries in
an accident.cBe sure the seat belt tongue is securely
fastened to the proper buckle.
cDo not wear the seat belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
cDo not allow more than one person to
use the same seat belt.
cNever carry more people in the vehicle
than there are seat belts.
cIf the seat belt warning light glows con-
tinuously while the ignition is turned
ON with all doors closed and all seat
belts fastened, it may indicate a mal-
function in the system. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
cOnce the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and must
be replaced together with the retractor.
See your NISSAN dealer.
cRemoval and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system components
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.cAll seat belt assemblies, including re-
tractors and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after any collision
by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recom-
mends that all seat belt assemblies in
use during a collision be replaced un-
less the collision 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.
cAll child restraints and attaching hard-
ware should be inspected after any col-
lision. Always follow the restraint
manufacturer’s inspection instructions
and replacement recommendations.
The child restraints should be replaced
if they are damaged.
CHILD SAFETY
Children need adults to help protect them.
They need to be properly restrained.
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. Front facing child re-
straints are available for children who outgrow
rear facing child restraints.
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retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in the
emergency locking mode. See “Child restraints”
later in this section for more information.
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. It can also
change the operation of the front passen-
ger air bag. See “Front passenger air bag
and status light” earlier in this section.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that the 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.Unfastening the seat belts
s1To unfasten the seat belt, press the button on
the buckle. The seat belt automatically re-
tracts.
Checking seat belt operation
Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt
movement by two separate methods:
cWhen the seat belt is pulled quickly from the
retractor.
cWhen the vehicle slows down rapidly.To increase your confidence in the seat belts,
check the operation as follows.
cGrasp the shoulder belt and pull forward
quickly. The retractor should lock and re-
strict further belt movement.
If the retractor does not lock during this check or
if you have any questions about seat belt opera-
tion, see a NISSAN dealer.
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INSTALLATION ON FRONT
PASSENGER SEAT
WARNING
cNever install a rear-facing child re-
straint in the front passenger seat.
Supplemental front air bags inflate with
great force. A rear-facing child restraint
could be struck by the supplemental
front air bag in a crash and could seri-
ously injure or kill your child.cNISSAN recommends that child re-
straints be installed in the rear seat.
However, if you must install a forward-
facing child restraint in the front pas-
senger seat, move the passenger seat
to the rearmost position. Also, be sure
the front passenger air bag status light
is illuminated to indicate the passenger
air bag is OFF. See “Front passenger air
bag and status light” earlier in this sec-
tion for details.
cA child restraint with a top tether strap
should not be used in the front passen-
ger seat.
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