Nissan Altima 2001 Owner's Manual

Foreword

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control.

This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.

In the U.S., a separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet and in Canada, a Warranty and Roadside Assistance Information Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle maintenance schedules. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns youmayhavewith your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state’s lemon law.

Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them.

READ FIRST — THEN DRIVE SAFELY Before driving your vehicle please read this

Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!

Follow these important rules to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your passengers!

● NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions.

●

ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. Pre-teen children should be seated in the rear seat.

● ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

●

ALWAYS review this owner’s manual for important safety information.

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified.

Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.

WHEN READING THE MANUAL This manual includes information for all

options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle.

All information, specifications and illustrations in thismanualarethoseineffectatthe time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

WARNING

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

APD1005

If you see this symbol, it means ‘‘Do not do this’’ or ‘‘Do not let this happen.’’

GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gardena, California.

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations.

NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes diversified forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other products.

NISSAN has made a substantial and growing investment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital investments in facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing

facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan Design International in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 18,000 people throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional 71,000 people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North America.

NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. NissanCanadaInc.,its suppliers and over 140 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with materials and services ranging from the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.

WFW0002

NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and hasled the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The company has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and — most importantly — through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control.

From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN toyourdealerformaintenance,theservice technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by Nissan.

Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seatbelts every time you drive the vehicle.

The NISSAN story of growth and achievement reflects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsmanship — a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own.

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

NISSAN CARES ...

Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)

For Hawaii customers

(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)

For CANADIAN customers

1-800-387-0122

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information:

— Your name, address, and telephone

number

— Vehicle identification number (on dash-

board) — Date of purchase — Current odometer reading — Your NISSAN dealer’s name — Your comments or questions OR You can write to NISSAN with the informa-

tion on the left at:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

Nissan North America Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Hawaii customers

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

Table of

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Contents

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Heater, air conditioner and audio systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Do-it-yourself

Maintenance

Technical and consumer information

Index

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Seats ......................................................................1-2

Front manual seat adjustment...........................1-3

Front power seat adjustment

(if so equipped)..................................................1-4

Folding rear seat ...............................................1-6

Head restraint adjustment.................................1-8

Supplemental restraint system...............................1-8

Precautions on supplemental restraint

system ...............................................................1-8

Supplemental air bag warning labels..............1-18

Supplemental air bag warning light.................1-19

Seat belts .............................................................1-20

Precautions on seat belt usage ......................1-20

Child safety......................................................1-22

Pregnant women .............................................1-23

Injured persons................................................1-23

Three-point type seat belt with retractor .........1-23

Seat belt extenders .........................................1-27

Seat belt maintenance ....................................1-27

Child restraints .....................................................1-28

Precautions on child restraints........................1-28

Installation on rear seat center or

outboard positions...........................................1-29

Top tether strap child restraint ........................1-34

Installation on front passenger seat................1-35

SEATS

ARS1131

WARNING

● Do 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.

● For 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 properly. See ‘‘Precautions on Seat Belt Usage’’ later in this section.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

● After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked.

WRS0001

Forward and backward

Pull the lever up while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3

Reclining

To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward again, pull the lever and move yourbody forward.

SPA0099A LRS0016

Seat lifter (Driver’s seat)

Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT (if so equipped)

● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

WARNING

● Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

Operating Tips

● The motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.

● Do not operate the power seat switch for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

Forward and backward

Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Reclining

Move the recline switch backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward.

LRS0017 ARS1035

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

Push the front or rearend of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion.

Lumbar support (if so equipped for driver’s seat)

The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down to adjust the seat lumbar area.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5

WRS0018

● Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously injured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seat back securely latched, when not in use, and prevent children’s access to car keys.

FOLDING REAR SEAT Interior trunk access

The trunk can be accessed from the rear seat for loading and unloading, as shown.

WARNING

● Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accidentor sudden stop.

● Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

● When returning seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completelysecured in the latched position, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

LRS0056 LRS0057 ARS1020

To fold down the seat back, pull approximately 10 inches of seat belt webbing out of the retractor and hold, then unlatch and fold down the seat back.

When using the fold down rear seat back, the rear center seat belt retractor may lock up and prevent folding down the seat back.

If the rear center seat belt retractor has inadvertently locked up, push the seat belt webbing towards the retractor as shown in the above illustration. This will unlock the seat belt retractor and allow the rear seat back to fold down.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7

Center armrest (if so equipped)

Pull the armrest forward until it is horizontal.

PD1319 WRS0002

HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

WARNING

Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat.

Adjust the head restraints so the top is level with the tops of your ears.

1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental front air bags, supplemental side air bags and pre-tensioner seat belts.

Supplemental front air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the face and chest of the driver and front passenger in certain frontal collisions.

Supplemental side air bag system (if so equipped): This system can help cushion

the impact force to the head and the chest area of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions The supplemental side air bag is designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

These supplemental restraint systems are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by the driver and front passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel and front door finishers. (See ‘‘Seat belts’’ later in this

section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.)

The supplemental 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.

ARS1132

WARNING

● The supplemental front air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, roll over, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

●

The seat belts and the supplemental front air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The front air bags inflate

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9

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 supplemental 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 steeringwheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts.

● Keep 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.

ARS1133

1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

ARS1041

ARS1043

ARS1045

ARS1042

ARS1044

ARS1046

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11

WARNING

● Never let children ride unrestrained. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the illustrations.

● Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental front air bag inflates if they are not properly restrained.

● Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental front air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. See ‘‘Child restraints’’ later in this section for details.

SSS0101 SSS0140

WARNING

Supplemental side air bag (if so equipped):

● The supplemental side air bag ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact or lower severity side collision. Always wear your seat belt to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

● The seat belts and the supplemental side air bag are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The side air bag inflates with great force. Do not allow anyone to place their hand, leg or face near the side air bag on the side of the seatback of the front seat. Do not allow anyone sitting in the front seat to extend their hand out of the window or lean against the door. When sitting in the rear seat, do not hold onto the seatback of the front seat. If

1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SSS0159 SSS0162

the side air bag inflates, the occupant may be seriously injured. Be especially careful with children, who should always be properly restrained. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the illustrations.

● Do not use seat covers on the front seatbacks. They may interfere with supplemental side air bag inflation.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13

Supplemental front air bag system

The driver supplemental front air bag is located 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 optional 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, cautions

and 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 severityfrontal 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 inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the release of smoke. This

1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

WRS0003

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.

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 inflating supplemental front air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental 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 increase 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.

The supplemental front air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position.

WARNING

●

Do not place any objects on the steering wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental front air bag inflates.

● Right after inflation, several supplemental front air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

No unauthorized changes should be

●

made to any components or wiring of the supplemental front air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental front air bags or damage to the supplemental front air bag system.

● Do 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.

●

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 installing additional trim material around the supplemental front air bag system.

● Work around and on the supplemental front 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 yellow SRS wiring should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the supplemental front air bag system.

● The SRS wiring harnesses are covered 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 front air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this owner’s manual.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

1-15

proper 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

LRS0020

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 severityside 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 of

force on the 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.

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.

1-16 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

The supplemental side air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position.

WARNING

● Do 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 objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental side air bag inflates.

● Right after inflation, several supplemental side air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

● No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental side air bag system. This is to prevent accidental

inflation of the side air bag or damage to the side air bag system.

● Do 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.

● Tampering 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.

● Work around and on the supplemental 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. Unauthorized 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

● The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be reused after activation. It must be replaced together with the retractor as a unit.

● If the vehicle becomes involved in a frontal collision but the pretensioner is not activated, be sure to have the pre-tensioner system checked and, if necessary, replaced by your NISSAN dealer.

● 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 personal injury.

● Work around and on the pretensioner system should be done by an authorized 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 pretensioner seat belt system.

● If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

1-17

The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system activates in conjunction with the supplemental 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 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.

If any abnormality occurs in the pretensioner system, the supplemental air bag warning light after the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. In this case, the pretensioner seat belt will not function properly.

When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the pretensioner seat belt system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this owner’s manual.

will flash intermittently

WRS0004

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LABELS

Warning labels about the supplemental air bag systems are placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.

1-18 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

WRS0080

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT

The supplemental air bag warning light, displaying tors the circuits of the supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt systems. The circuits monitored by the supplemental air bag warning light are the diagnosis sensor unit, satellite sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag modules, pretensioner seat belts and all related wiring.

When theignition key is in the ON or START

in theinstrument panel, moni-

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 (if so equipped) and pretensioner seat belt systems need servicing:

● The supplemental air bag warning light remains on after approximately 7 seconds.

● The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.

● The 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 systems 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-

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-19

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 reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemental air bag light remains illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair and replacement of these supplemental air bag systems should be done only by an authorized 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 certification 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

SEAT BELTS

when working under the hood or inside the vehicle.

WARNING

● Once the supplemental front air bag or supplemental side air bag has inflated, the air bag module will not function again and must be replaced. The air bag module should be replaced by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The air bag module cannot be repaired.

● The supplemental front air bag and supplemental side air bag systems should be inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to the front end or side portion of the vehicle.

● If you need to dispose of a supplemental 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 procedures could cause personal injury.

1-20 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

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 provinces and territories, require that seat belts be worn at all times when a vehicle is being driven.

ARS1134

WARNING

● Every 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.

●

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 accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.

ARS1049 ARS1047 ARS1050

● Always 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.

● Position 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.

● Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely fastened to the proper buckle.

● Do not wear the belt inside out or twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.

● Do not allow more than one person to use the same belt.

● Never carry more people in the vehicle than there are seat belts.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-21

● If 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 an authorized NISSAN dealer.

● Once the pre-tensioner seat belt has activated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. See you NISSAN dealer.

● Removal and installation of the pretensioner seat belt system components should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.

● All seat belt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision by an authorized NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless 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.

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. Forward facing child restraints are available for children who outgrow rear facing child restraints.

Infants and children need special protection. 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 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 which

1-22 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

WARNING

should 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 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 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 instructions 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 avail-

able) may help overcome this. The booster seat should raise the child so that the shoulder 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 Motor 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.

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 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.

ARS1051

THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT WITH RETRACTOR

WARNING

● Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times.

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