warning NISSAN PATHFINDER 2002 R50 / 2.G User Guide

WARNING
IThe supplemental front air bags ordi-
narily will not inflate in the event of a
side impact, rear impact, roll over, or
lower severity frontal collision. Al-
ways wear your seat belts to help
reduce the risk or severity of injury in
various kinds of accidents.
IThe seat belts and the supplemental
front air bags are most effective whenyou are sitting well back and upright
in the seat. Front air bags inflate with
great force. If you are unrestrained,
leaning forward, sitting sideways or
out of position in any way, you are at
greater risk of injury or death in a
crash and may also receive serious
or fatal injuries from the supplemen-
tal front air bag if you are up against
it when it inflates. Always sit back
against the seatback and as far away
as practical from the steering wheelor instrument panel. Always use the
seat belts.
IKeep hands on the outside of the
steering wheel. Placing them inside
the steering wheel rim could increase
the risk that they are injured when the
supplemental front air bag inflates.
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WARNING
INever let children ride unrestrained
or extend their hands or face out of
the window. Do not attempt to hold
them in your lap or arms. Some ex-
amples of dangerous riding positions
are shown in the previous illustra-
tions.
IChildren may be severely injured or
killed when the supplemental front airbag inflates if they are not properly
restrained.
INever install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental front air bag could se-
riously injury or kill your child. See
ªChild restraintsº later in this section
for details.
For supplemental side air bag
system (if so equipped):
WARNING
IThe supplemental side air bags ordi-
narily will not inflate in the event of a
frontal impact, rear impact or lower
severity side collision. Always wear
your seat belts to help reduce the risk
or severity of injury in various kinds
of accidents.
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Supplemental front air bag systemThe driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel; the front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box. These
systems are designed to meet optional certifi-
cation requirements under U.S. regulations.
They are also permitted in Canada. The op-
tional certification allows front air bags to be
designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully
than previously.However, all of the informa-
tion, cautions and warnings in this manual
still apply and must be followed.The front
air bags are designed to inflate in higherseverity frontal collisions, although they may
inflate 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
air bag operation.
When the supplemental front air bag inflates, 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 not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing 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 occupant.
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.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dashboard. Since the supplemental front air
bag inflates quickly in order to help protect the
occupant, 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 air bag module
during inflation.
The air bags will deflate quickly after a collision
is over.
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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WARNING
IDo 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 may cause injury if the
supplemental air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several air bag
system components will be hot. Do
not touch them; you may severely
burn yourself.
INo 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 front air bags or
damage to the supplemental air bag
system.
IDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect properoperation of the supplemental front
air bag system.
ITampering with the supplemental
front air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the steering
wheel and the instrument panel as-
sembly by placing material over the
steering wheel pad and above the
instrument panel, or by installing ad-
ditional trim material around the air
bag system.
IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal front air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer. The yellow
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) wiring harnesses* should not
be modified or disconnected. Unau-
thorized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the air bag system.
IA cracked windshield should be re-placed immediately by a qualified re-
pair facility. A cracked windshield
could affect inflation of the supple-
mental 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
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.
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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 designed 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 dam-
age (or lack of it) is not always an indication of
proper supplemental side air bag operation.When the supplemental side 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, but care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing 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 head and chest of the front occupants.
They can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating side air bag may
cause abrasions or other injuries. Side 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 bags. Since the side air bags inflate 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 bags will deflate quickly
after the collision is over.
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
IDo 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 fin-
isher and the front seat. Such objects
may become dangerous projectiles
and cause injury if the supplemental
side air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several side air
bag system components will be hot.
Do not touch them; you may severely
burn yourself.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental side air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
inflation of the side air bags or dam-
age to the side air bag system.
IDo 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.
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ITampering 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.
IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal side air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wir-
ing harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized 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
identification.When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental 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
IThe pre-tensioner seat belts cannot
be reused after activation. They must
be replaced together with the retrac-
tor as a unit.
IIf 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.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system.
This is to prevent accidental activa-
tion of the pre-tensioner seat belts or
damage to the pre-tensioner seat beltoperation. Tampering with the pre-
tensioner seat belt system may result
in serious personal injury.
IWork around and on the pretensioner
system should be done by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. Installation of
electrical equipment should also be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the pre-
tensioner seat belt system.
IIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal proce-
dures 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
front air bags. Working with the seat belt
retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt the
instant the vehicle becomes involved in certain
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types of collisions, thereby restraining 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. Those with a history of
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 intermittently
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.
The system should be inspected by an autho-
rized 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 and supplemental side air bag system
are placed in the vehicle.
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, dis-
playing
in the instrument panel, monitors
the circuits of the supplemental front air bag
and supplemental side air bag systems, and
pre-tensioner seat belt. The circuits monitored
by the air bag warning light are the diagnosis
sensor unit, satellite sensors, front air bag
modules, side air bag modules, pre-tensioner
seat belt and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the air bag warning light illuminates. The
supplemental air bag warning light will turn offafter about 7 seconds if the systems are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental front air bag and supplemental
side air bag systems and pre-tensioner seat
belt need servicing:
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags and/or
pre-tensioner seat belt may not operate prop-
erly. 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 supplemen-
tal front air bag system or supplemental
side air bag system will not operate in anaccident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags and supple-
mental side air bags are designed to inflate on
a one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless
they are damaged, the supplemental air bag
warning light will remain illuminated after infla-
tion has occurred. Repair and replacement of
the supplemental systems should be done
only by authorized NISSAN dealers.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags, pre-tensioner seat
belts and related parts 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 in-
side the vehicle.
WARNING
IOnce the supplemental front air bags
or supplemental side air bag has in-
flated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be replaced,
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PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGEYour chances of being injured or killed in an
accident and/or the severity of injury may be
greatly reduced if you are wearing your seat
belt and it is properly adjusted. NISSAN
strongly encourages you and all of your pas-
sengers to buckle up every time you drive,
even if your seating position includes a supple-
mental air bag.
Most states, provinces or territories require
that seat belts be worn at all times when a
vehicle is being driven.
WARNING
IEvery person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times. Children should be properly
restrained and, if appropriate, in a
child restraint.
IThe belt should be properly adjusted
to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint systems and increase the
chance or severity of injury in anaccident. Serious injury or death can
occur if the seat belt is not worn
properly.
IAlways 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.
IPosition 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.
IBe sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.
IDo not wear the belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its ef-
fectiveness.
IDo not allow more than one person to
use the same belt.
INever carry more people in the ve-
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hicle than there are seat belts.
IIf the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indicate
a malfunction in the system. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
IOnce the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and
must be replaced together with the
retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.
IRemoval and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system compo-
nents should be done by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
IAll 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 assem-
blies in use during a collision be
replaced unless the collision was mi-
nor and the belts show no damageand 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.
IAll child restraints and attaching
hardware should be inspected after
any collision. Always follow the re-
straint manufacturer's inspection in-
structions and replacement recom-
mendations. The child restraints
should be replaced if they are dam-
aged.
CHILD SAFETYChildren 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 lb (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.
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 ªChild restraintsº later
in this section.
In addition, there are many types of child
restraints available for larger children which
should be used for maximum protection.
NISSAN recommends that all preteens and
children be restrained in the rear seat if
possible. 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 Sys-
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