1996 NISSAN ALTIMA sensor

The supplemental air bag light, displaying
``AIR BAG'' in the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the air bag. The circuits
monitored by the air bag light are the diag-
nosis sensor unit, air bag modules and all
related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ``ON'' or
``START'' position, the supplemental air bag
light will illuminate for about 7 seconds and
then turn off. This means the system is
operational.If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on for 7 seconds and then go off as
described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System Air Bag will not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired.
Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag light will remain illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of the supplemental air bag
system should be done only by authorized
NISSAN dealers.To ensure long-term
functioning, the system must be in-
spected 10 years after the date of manu-
facture as noted on the certification label
located on the driver side front pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
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 inside the vehicle.
WARNING:
cOnce the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the air bag module will not
function again and must be re-
placed. The supplemental air bag
module cannot be repaired.
cAfter a supplemental air bag inflates,
the front instrument panel assembly
should be replaced by your NISSAN
dealer if damaged.
cThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle or replaced if the supple-
mental air bag has inflated.
c
When selling your vehicle, we re-
quest that you inform the buyer about
the supplemental air bag system and
guide the buyer to the appropriate
sections in this Owner's Manual.
APD0523
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT
2-16
ZX

The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature; do not put
anything on or around this sensor.
Servicing air conditioning
The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a new refrigerant
designed with the environment in mind.
This new refrigerant will not harm the
earth's ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is
required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your
air conditioning system. See ``Air condition-
ing system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendations'' in the ``Technical and con-
sumer information'' section of this manual.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally conscious air condi-
tioning system.To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
``ACC'' or ``ON''. If you listen to the radio with
the engine not running, turn the key to the
``ACC'' position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
CLOCK-RADIO (If so equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an AM-FM radio
and cassette player, a clock is integrated
into the audio system. For further details,
refer to Clock Operation later in this section.AHA0501
RADIO
3-10
ZX

and releases hydraulic pressure (like pump-
ing the brakes very quickly). While the ac-
tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test orwhile you are driving, you should take your
car to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tire on all 4 wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.
Refer to ``Wheels and Tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section of
this manual.
4-16
ZX