Nissan Xterra 2000 Owner's Manual
Foreword
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle has been 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 (kilometers) of driving pleasure.
Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
In the U.S., a separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet or 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 you
may have with 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 driving rules to
help ensure a safe and complete 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.
For descriptions specified for four-wheel
drive models, a
the beginning of the applicable
sections/items.
As with other vehicles with features for
off-road use, failure to operate fourwheel drive models correctly may result
in loss of control or an accident. Be sure
to read ‘‘Driving safety precautions’’ in
the ‘‘Starting and driving’’ section of this
manual.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD DRIVING
This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger
car because it has a higher center of
gravity for off-road use. As with other
vehicles with features of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or an
accident.
Be sure to read “On-pavement and offroad driving precautions”, and ‘‘Avoiding collision and rollover’’, and “Driving safety precautions”, in the
“Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
mark is placed at
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 modification
may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.
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.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the
time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to
change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
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.
APD1005
If you see this symbol, it means ‘‘Do not do
this’’ or ‘‘Do not let this happen.’’
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.
© 2000 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960, andcontinuingwith the production ofsome
cars and trucks at one of the world’s most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design International in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers indirectly employ about
60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., 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 fromoperationof port facilities andtrans-
AFW0001
portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers inautomobiles,and has led theindustry 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
to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systemsthatwillhelp protect you andyour
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. Weurgeyou to use theseatbelts 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 our (NISSAN’s) Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland 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 Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
Table of
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1
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
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems
Front bucket seats..................................................1-2
Seat adjustment .....................................................1-2
Head restraints.......................................................1-3
Rear seat................................................................1-4
Supplemental restraint system (supplemental
air bag system).......................................................1-6
Supplemental air bag system.................................1-9
Warning labels......................................................1-11
Supplemental air bag warning light......................1-11
Seat belts .............................................................1-13
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................1-13
Child safety...........................................................1-15
Pregnant women..................................................1-16
Injured persons ....................................................1-16
Three-point type with retractor.............................1-16
Two-point type without retractor (rear center
lap belt).................................................................1-19
Seat belt extenders..............................................1-21
Seat belt maintenance .........................................1-21
Child restraints .....................................................1-22
Front facing installation at rear seat center
position.................................................................1-24
Rear facing installation at rear seat center
position.................................................................1-25
Front facing installation at rear seat outboard
positions ...............................................................1-26
Rear facing installation at rear seat outboard
positions ...............................................................1-29
Top strap child restraint........................................1-31
FRONT BUCKET SEATS
O
WARNING
O 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
ARS1152
SEAT ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
O
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.
O
After adjustment, gently rock in the
seat to make sure it issecurelylocked.
ARS1206
Forward and backward
Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide
the seat forward or backward to the desired
position. Release the lever to lock the seat
in position.
ARS1207
Reclining
To recline the seatback pull the lever up and
lean back. To bring the seatback forward,
pull the lever up and lean your body forward.
Release the lever to lock the seatback in
position.
WARNING
After adjustment, gently rock in the
seat to make sure it is securely locked.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3
MPA0001
HEAD RESTRAINTS
To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To
lower, push the lock knob, then 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.
REAR SEAT
ARS1235 ARS1224 ARS1225
Adjust the top of the head restraint even
with the tops of your ears.
Folding down
1. Pull outward on the two straps at the
bottom of the seat cushions.
2. Lift the front of the seat cushion up and
remove the seat cushion. Store the seat
cushion in a secure place.
1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
3. Pull the ring on top of the seat back up.
4. Fold down the seat back.
ARS1226 ARS1227
Folding up
1. Push the seat back up until it latches
2. Hold the seat belts above the seat cushion.
3. Slide the seat cushion back.
4. Push down the seat cushion until it
latches.
WARNING
O Never allow anyone to ride in the
cargo area or ontherearseatwhenit
is in the fold-down position. Use of
these areas by passengers without
proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden
stop.
O It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
O Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt properly. Never ride in the rear seat unless the seat bottom cushions are in
place and latched.
O 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.
O When returning the seatbacks to the
upright position, be certain they are
completely secured in the latched
position. If they are not completely
secured in the latched position, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (supplemental air bag
system)
This supplemental restraint system section
contains important information concerning
the driver and passenger supplemental air
bags. The supplemental restraint system air
bags can help reduce impact force to the
driver and front passenger in certain frontal
collisions. The supplemental air bags 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 and instrument panel. See
‘‘Seat belts’’ for instructions and precautions
on seat belt usage later in this section.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
WARNING
O The supplemental 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.
O The seat belts and the supplemental
air bags are most effective when you
are sitting well back and upright in
the seat. Supplemental 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 supplemental 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 wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts.
O
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 air bag inflates.
ARS1151
1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ARS1153 ARS1041
ARS1042
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7
ARS1043
ARS1098
WARNING
O 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 previous illustrations.
O Children may be severely injured or
killed when the supplemental air bag
inflates if they are not properly restrained.
O Never install a rear-facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. See
‘‘Child restraints’’ later in this section for details.
ARS1044
1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ARS1099
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
SYSTEM
The driver supplemental air bagislocatedin
the center of the steering wheel. The passenger supplemental air bag is located in
the top right section of the instrument panel.
These systems are designed to meet optional
certification requirements under U.S. regula-
ARS1228
tions. They are also permitted in Canada.The
optional certification allows air bags to be
designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully
than previously. However,allof the informa-
tion, cautions and warnings in this manual
still apply and must be followed.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9
The supplemental 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 ahigherseverityfrontalimpact.It
may not inflate in certain frontal collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper supplemental air bag
system operation.
When the supplemental 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, but
care should be taken not to 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 air bags, along with the
use of the seat belts, helps to cushion the
impact force on the face and chest of the
occupant. It can help save lives and reduce
serious injuries. However, an inflating supplemental air bag may causefacialabrasions
or other injuries. Supplemental 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 air
bags inflate quickly in order to help protect
the front occupants, the force of the supplemental air bags inflating can increase the
risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or
against the supplemental air bag module
during inflation.
The supplemental air bags deflate quickly
after a collision.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
WARNING
O 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 on the instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles, and
cause injury if the supplemental air
bag inflates.
O Right after inflation, several supple-
mental air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
No unauthorized changes should be
O
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This
is to prevent accidental inflation of
the supplemental air bag or damage
to the supplemental air bag system.
O
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 air bag system.
O Tampering with the supplemental air
bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and
the instrument panel assembly, by
placing material over the steering
wheel pad and above the instrument
panel, or by installing additional trim
material around the supplemental air
bag system.
O Work around and on the supplemen-
tal 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 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring
should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the supplemental air bag system.
O The SRS wiring harnesses (except
the pre-tensioner seat belt system)
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
air bag system and guide the buyer to the
appropriate sections in this owner’s manual.
1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
WARNING LABELS SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
in the instrument panel,
Warning labels about the supplemental air
bag system are placed in the vehicle as
shown in the illustration.
displaying
monitors the circuits of the supplemental air
bag system. The circuits monitored by the
supplemental air bag warning light are the
ARS1229
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11
diagnosis sensor unit, the supplemental air
bag modules 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 system conditions
occur, the supplemental air bag system
ARS1230
needs servicing and should be taken to an
authorized NISSAN dealer:
O The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
O The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
O The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System (supplemental air bag
system) may not function properly. It must
be checked and repaired.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag modules 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 the supplemental air bag system should be done only by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
supplemental air bag system must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture noted on the certification
label located on the driver side door
jamb pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the personconductingthemaintenance.The
ignition key must always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
O Once the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
should be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.The supplemental air
bag module cannot be repaired.
1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
O The supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle, or replaced if the supplemental air bag has inflated.
O If you need to dispose of the supple-
mental 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.
WARNING
SEAT BELTS
PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGE
Your chances of being injured 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 passengers
to buckle up every time you drive, even if
your seating position includes a supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. States and Canadian provinces or territories specify that seat belts
be worn at all times when a vehicle is
being driven.
ARS1154
WARNING
O 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
child restraints.
O The 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
accident. Serious injury or death can
occur if the seat belt is not worn
properly.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13
ARS1100
O 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.
O 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.
ARS1103
O Be sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.
O Do not wear the seat belt inside out
or twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
O Do not allow more than one person
to use the same seat belt.
O Never carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.
Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo
O
area while the vehicle is in motion. It
does not contain seat belts. It is not
designed for passengers. They could
be injured in sudden braking or a collision.
O 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.
O
All seat belt assemblies including
retractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer after any collision. 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.
Pre-tensioner seat belt system
(For front seats)
WARNING
O The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot
be reused after activation. It must be
replaced together with the retractor
and buckle as a unit.
O 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.
O 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.
O Work around and on the pre-
tensioner system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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.
O If you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner 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.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system activates in conjuction with the supplemental 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.
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 intentionally inhale it
as it may cause irritation and choking.
If any abnormality occurs in the pretensioner system, the seat belt warning light
will flash intermittently after the ignition
key is turned to the ON or START position.
In this case, the pre-tensioner 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.
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 restraints
are available for children who outgrow
rear facing child restraints.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
WARNING
O
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 for
more information.
In addition, there are many types of child
restraints available for larger children which
should be used for maximum protection.
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teen
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 re-
1-15
straint system (Supplemental air bag
system) for the front passenger (For precautions, see ‘‘Supplemental restraint
system’’ earlier in this section).
Infants and small children
NISSAN recommends that infants and small
children be seated in child restraints that
comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards. You should choose a
child restraint which 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 available) may help overcome this. The booster
seat should raise the child so 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.
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. Contact your doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should
be worn snug and positioned as low as
possible around the hips, not the waist.
INJURED PERSONS
NISSAN recommends that injured persons
use seat belts, depending on the injury.
Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.
1-16 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
WARNING
ARS1104
THREE-POINT TYPE WITH
RETRACTOR
WARNING
O 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.
O
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.
Youcould also slide under the lap belt
and receive serious internal injuries.
O 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
belt properly.
Fastening the seat belt
1. Adjust the seat.
2. Slowly 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.
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 passenger, the locking mode should not be
activated. If it is activated it may cause
uncomfortable seat belt tension.
ARS1189
3. Position the lap belt portion low on the
hips as shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack.
The front passenger seat belt has a cinching mechanism for child restraint installation. It is referred to as the automatic locking
mode.
When the cinching mechanism is activated
the seat belt cannot be extracted again until
the seat belt tongue is detached from the
buckle and the seat belt is fully retracted.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-17
To increase your confidence in the seat
belts, check the operation as follows.
O Grasp the shoulder belt and pull quickly
forward. The retractor should lock and
restrict further belt movement.
If the retractor does not lock during this
check, or if you have any questions about
seat belt operation, see an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
ARS1054 ARS1239
Unfastening the seat belt
To unfasten the seat belt, press the button
on the buckle. The seat belt automatically
retracts.
Checking seat belt operation
Seat belt retractors are designed to lock
seat belt movement by two separate methods:
1) When the seat belt is pulled quickly from
the retractor.
2) When the vehicle slows down rapidly.
1-18 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Shoulder belt height adjustment
(front seats only)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best for you. (See
‘‘Precautions on seat belt usage’’ earlier in
this section.) To adjust, pull out on the
adjustment button and move the shoulder
belt anchor to the desired position, so the
belt passes over the center of the shoulder.
The belt should be away from your face and
neck, but not falling off of your shoulder.
Release the adjustment button to lock the
shoulder belt anchor into position.
WARNING
O After adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the
shoulder belt anchor up and down to
make sure it is securely fixed in
position.
O The shoulder belt anchor height
should be adjusted to the position
best for you. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase
the chance or severity of injury in an
accident.
APD0627 ARS1055
TWO-POINT TYPE WITHOUT RETRACTOR (rear center lap belt)
Selecting the correct set of seat belts
The center seat belt buckle and tongue are
identified by the word CENTER. The center
seat belt tongue can only be fastened into
the center seat belt buckle.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-19
Fastening the seat belts
1. Insert the tongue into the buckle until you
hear and feel the latch engage. Both the
tongue assembly and the buckle are
marked CENTER.
ARS1238 ARS1076 ARS1057
2. Tighten the belt by pulling the free end of
the belt away from the tongue.
3. Position the lap belt low on the hips as
illustrated.
1-20 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
4. Loosen the belt by holding the tongue at
a right angle to the belt, then pull on the
belt.
ARS1058
Unfastening the belt
To unfasten the seat belt, press the button
on the buckle.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lapshoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the installed seat belts. The extender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position. See an authorized NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
O Only NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
O Persons 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.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
O To clean the seat belt webbings, apply
a mild soap solution or any solution recommended 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.
O If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
O
Periodically 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 assembly should be replaced.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-21
CHILD RESTRAINTS
seat belt around both your child and
yourself.
O Never install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. A rear
facing child restraint must only be
used in the rear seat.
O NISSAN recommends that the child
restraint be installed in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics,
ARS1098
WARNING
O Infants and small children should
always be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
O Infants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe accident. The child could be crushed
between the adult and parts of the
vehicle. Also, do not put the same
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
O An improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
O In general, child restraints are de-
signed to be installed with a lap belt
or the lap portion of a three-point
type seat belt.
Child restraints for infants and small children of various sizes are offered by several
manufacturers. When selecting any child
restraint, keep the following points in mind:
1) Choose only a restraint with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor
1-22 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
2) Check the child restraint in your vehicle
to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle’s seat and seat belt system. Choose
a child restraint that meets the guidelines
of the Society of Automotive Engineers
recommended practice J1819 for child
restraint installation.
3) If the child restraint is compatible with
your vehicle, place your child in the child
restraint and check the various adjustments to be sure the child restraint is
compatible with your child. Always follow
all of the recommended procedures.
All U.S. states and provinces of Canada
require that infants and small children be
restrained in an approved child restraint
at all times while the vehicle is being
operated.
WARNING
O Improper use of a child restraint can
result in increased injuries for both
the infant or child and other occupants in the vehicle.
O Follow all of the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. When purchasing
a child restraint, be sure to select
one which will fit your child and
vehicle. It may not be possible to
properly install some types of child
restraints in your vehicle.
O If the child restraint is not anchored
properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden
stop greatly increases.
O Adjustable seatbacks should be po-
sitioned to fit the child restraint, but
as upright as possible.
O
After attaching the child restraint,
test it before you place the child in it.
Tilt it from side to side. Try to tug it
forward and check to see if the belt
holds the restraint in place. If the
restraint is not secure, tighten the
belt as necessary.
O For a front-facing child restraint, if
the seat position where it is installed
has a 3-point type lap/shoulder belt,
check to make sure the shoulder belt
does not go in front of the child’s
face or neck. If it does, put the shoulder belt behind the child restraint. If
you must install a front-facing child
restraint in the front seat, see “Installation on front passenger seat” later
in this section for details.
O When your child restraint is not in
use, keep it secured with a seat belt
to prevent it from being thrown
around in case of a sudden stop or
accident.
CAUTION
O Remember that a child restraint left
in a closed vehicle can become very
hot. Check the seating surface and
buckles before placing your child in
the child restraint.
O The three-point belt in your vehicle
is equipped with an automatic locking mode retractor which must be
used when installing a child restraint.
O Failure to use the retractor’s locking
mode will result in the child restraint
not being properly secured. The restraint could tip over or otherwise be
unsecured and cause injury to the
child in a sudden stop or collision.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-23
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