1996 NISSAN ALTIMA wiring

Air bag system
The driver air bag is located in the center of
the steering wheel; the front passenger air
bag is mounted in the dashboard above the
glove box. The supplemental air bag system
is designed to inflate in higher severity fron-
tal collisions, although it may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It
may not inflate in certain frontal collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper air bag operation.
When the supplemental air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed byrelease 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 breathing trouble should get
fresh air promptly.
The supplemental 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 inju-
ries. However, an inflating air bag may cause
facial abrasions or other injuries. Air bags do
not provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and thedriver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dashboard. Since the air bag inflates quickly
in order to help protect the occupant, the
force of the 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 supplemental air bag will deflate quickly
after a collision.
The supplemental air bags will operate
only when the ignition switch is in the
``ON'' or ``START'' position.
WARNING
cRight after inflation, several supple-
mental air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
c
No 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 air bag or damage
to the supplemental air bag system.
cTampering with the supplemental air
bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
APD0507
2-14
ZX

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 mate-
rial around the supplemental air bag
system.
cDo not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment 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 in-
jury if the air bag inflates.
cWork around and on the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer. The yellow SRS wiring
should not be modified or discon-
nected. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the supple-
mental air bag system.Warning labels about the supplemental air
bag system are placed in the vehicle.
APD0513
WARNING LABELS
2-15
ZX

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

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage for any
longer than is absolutely necessary.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch to
``OFF'' and the fan control at 4
(high) to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust sys-
tem, underbody, or rear of the
vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. While the en-
gine is running, keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as they
may burn easily.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
ZX

hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid per-
sonal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-tem, brake system, etc. when the hitch is
installed.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from the
rear, remove the hitch when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger com-
partment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (located
on the inside of the center console lid).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chain
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure toleave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
CAUTION
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
9-15
ZX

A Genuine Nissan Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for
your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illus-
trations and step-by-step diagnostic and ad-
justment procedures, this manual is the same
one used by the factory trained technicians
working at your Nissan dealership. Also avail-
able are Genuine NISSAN Owner's Manuals.
For current pricing and availability of a Genu-
ine NISSAN Service Manual or Genuine NIS-
SAN Owner's Manual, contact:
In the USA:
See your NISSAN dealer or contact:
Dyment Distribution Services
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
In a hurry? Call 1-800-247-5321 and charge
your purchase to Visa/Master Card.
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please
contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the
phone number and location of a NISSAN
Dealer in your area call the Nissan Satisfaction
Center at 1-800-387-0122 and a bilingual NIS-
SAN representative will assist you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner's Manuals for older Nissan models.
9-19
ZX