warning NISSAN MAXIMA 2004 A34 / 6.G Owner's Manual

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.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.
cRight 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.
cNo 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.
cDo 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.cTampering 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 seatback or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, around the side air bag.
cWork 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.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-19
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Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING
cThe pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
reused after activation. It must be re-
placed together with the retractor and
buckle 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 nec-
essary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.
cNo 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.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.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
system, the supplemental air bag warning
lightwill 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.
1-20Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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1. SRS Air Bag Warning Labels (located
on the sun visors)
2. SRS Side Air Bag Warning Labels (lo-
cated on the door pillar)
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag, supplemental side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag systems 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 air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems. The circuits monitored by the supplemental
air bag warning light are the diagnosis sensor
unit, crash zone sensor, satellite sensors, front air
bag modules, side air bag modules, 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 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
side-impact air bag or pre-tensioner seat belt
systems may not operate properly. It must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest NISSAN dealer.
WRS0169LRS0100
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-21
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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
and/or pre-tensioner seat belt systems
will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags, curtain side-impact 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 oc-
curred. Repair and replacement of these supple-
mental 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, 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.
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.
cThe 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.
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.
1-22Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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WARNING
cEvery person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should use a seat belt at all
times. Children should be properly re-
strained in the rear seat and, if appro-
priate, in a child restraint.
WARNING
cThe seat belt should be properly ad-
justed 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.
SSS0134SSS0016
1-24Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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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.
cThe 4-passenger model has seating and
seat belts for 4 occupants, 2 in the front
seats and 2 in the rear seats.
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.
SSS0014
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WARNING
Infants and children need special protec-
tion. 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 fit-
ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal
injury. Always use appropriate child
restraints.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri-
tories require the use of approved child restraints
for infants and small children. See “Child Re-
straints” 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.
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens
and children be restrained in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seat than in the front seat. This is
especially important because your vehicle
has a supplemental 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 chil-
dren be placed in child restraints that comply with
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Ca-
nadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You
should choose a child restraint that fits your ve-
hicle and always follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for installation and use.
Larger children
Children who are too large for child restraints
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 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 moving. The
child could be seriously injured or killed in
an accident or sudden stop.
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 pos-
sible 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
abdominal area. Contact your doctor for specific
recommendations.
INJURED PERSONS
NISSAN recommends that injured persons use
seat belts. Check with your doctor for specific
recommendations.
1-26Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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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.
cDo 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 receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and
receive serious internal injuries.
cFor the most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should
be upright. Always sit well back in the
seat and adjust the seat belt properly.
Fastening the seat belts
s1Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this
section.
s2Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until
you hear and feel the latch engage.
The retractor is designed to lock during a
sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion permits the seat belt to move, and
allows you some freedom of movement in
the seat.Manual front seat shown
WRS0174WRS0137
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s3Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
s4Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and across your chest.
The front passenger seat belt and the rear three-
point seat belts have a cinching mechanism for
child restraint installation. It is referred to as the
automatic locking mode.
When automatic locking mode is activated the
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the seat
belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully
retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in theemergency 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.
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.
WRS0138WRS0139
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WARNING
cAfter adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the shoul-
der belt anchor up and down to make
sure it is securely fixed in position.
cThe shoulder belt anchor height should
be adjusted to the position best for you.
Failure to do so may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the entire restraint system
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, 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 which is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The ex-
tender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of
length and may be used for either the driver or
front passenger seating position. See a NISSAN
dealer for assistance if an extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders, made
by the same company which made the
original equipment seat belts, should
be used with NISSAN seat belts.cAdults and children 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.
cNever use seat belt extenders to install
child restraints. If the child restraint is
not secured properly, the child could be
seriously injured in a collision or a sud-
den stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbing,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet.
Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat
belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the
seat belts to retract until they are completely
dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder
belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.cPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such 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 seat belt as-
sembly should be replaced.
1-30Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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