1996 NISSAN MAXIMA Owners Manual

over the steering wheel pad and
above the dashboard, or by installing
additional trim material around the air
bag system.
IDo not attach any objects to the
steering wheel pad and to 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.
IWork around and on the air bag sys-
tem should be done by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
cal equipment should also be done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
SRS wiring harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the air bag system.
* SRS wiring harnesses are covered
with yellow insulation either just be-
fore the harness connectors or for
the complete harness, for easyidentification.
2-20
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Caution and warning labels about the air bag
system are placed in the vehicle.The air bag light, displaying ªAIR BAGº in the
instrument panel, monitors the circuits of the
air bag. The circuits monitored by the air bag
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, air bag
modules and all related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ªONº or
ªSTARTº position, the air bag light will illumi-
nate for about 7 seconds and then turn off.
This means the system is operational.
SPA0104SPA0105
CAUTION AND WARNING
LABELSAIR BAG WARNING LIGHT
2-21
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

If any of the following conditions occurs, the air
bag needs servicing and should be taken to
your nearest authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The air bag light goes off within 7 seconds.
2. The air bag light flashes intermittently or
remains on (after 7 seconds).
3. The air bag light does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental Re-
straint System Air Bag will not operate prop-
erly. It must be checked and repaired.
Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Repair and replacement procedure
The air bag system is designed to inflate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the air bag light will remain illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair and
replacement of the air bag system should be
done only by authorized NISSAN dealers.To
ensure long-term functioning, the system
must be inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture noted on the certification la-
bel located on the driver side center pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the air bag system and related parts
should be pointed out to the person conducting
the maintenance. The ignition key should al-ways be in the ªLOCKº position when working
under the hood or inside the vehicle.
IOnce the air bag has inflated, the air
bag module will not function again
and must be replaced. The air bag
module cannot be repaired.
IAfter an air bag inflates, the front
instrument panel assembly should be
replaced by your NISSAN dealer.
IThe air bag system should be in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer if there is any damage to the
front end portion of the vehicle or
replaced if the air bag has inflated.
IWhen selling your vehicle, we re-
quest that you inform the buyer about
the air bag system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in
this Owner's Manual.
IIf you need to dispose of an air bag or
scrap the vehicle, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. Correct air bag
disposal procedures are set forth inthe appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
2-22
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGE
Your chances of being injured or killed in an
accident and/or the severity of injury may be
greatly reduced if you are wearing your seat
belt and it is properly adjusted. NISSAN
strongly encourages you and all of your pas-
sengers to buckle up every time you drive,
even if your seating position includes an air
bag.
Some states, provinces or territories re-
quire that seat belts be worn at all times
when a vehicle is being driven.
IEvery person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times. Children should be in ap-
propriate child restraints.
IThe belt should be adjusted properly
and to a snug fit. Failure to do so will
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint system and increase the
chance or severity of injury in an
accident.
IDo not wear the belt inside out ortwisted. Be sure the seat belt tongue
is securely fastened to the proper
buckle.
IDo not allow more than one person to
use the same belt.
IAll seat belt assemblies including re-
tractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected by your NISSAN
dealer after any collision. NISSAN
recommends that all seat belt assem-
blies in use during a collision be
replaced unless the collision was mi-
nor and the belts show no damage
and continue to operate properly.
Seat belt assemblies not in use dur-
ing a collision should also be in-
spected and replaced if either dam-
age or improper operation is noted.
INever carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.
If the seat belt warning lamp glows con-
tinuously while the ignition is turned
ªONº with all doors closed and all seat
belts fastened, it may indicate a mal-
function in the system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.Be sure to observe the following cau-
tions when using seat belts. Failure to
do so could increase the chance and/or
severity of injury in an accident.
IAlways route the shoulder belt over
your shoulder and across your chest.
Never run the belt under your arm or
across your neck. The belt should be
away from your face and neck, but
not falling off your shoulder.
IPosition the lap belt as low as pos-
sible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE
WAIST.
ISerious injury or death can occur if
the seat belt is not worn properly.
CHILD SAFETY
Children need adults to help protect them.
All U.S. states and provinces of Canada re-
quire the use of approved child restraints for
infants and small children. (See ªChild re-
straints for infants and small childrenº later in
this section.)
In addition, there are many types of child
restraints available for larger children which
should be used for maximum protection.
SEAT BELTS
2-23
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Infant or small child
NISSAN recommends that infants or small
children be placed in child restraint systems
that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. You should choose a child restraint
system that fits your vehicle and always follow
the manufacturer's instructions for installation
and use.
Children
Children who are too large for child restraint
systems should be seated and restrained by
the seat belts which are provided.
NISSAN recommends that children sit 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.
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 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 SafetyStandards 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.
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.
2-24
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

3-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT WITH
RETRACTOR
Every person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should wear a seat belt at all
times.
Fastening the belts
1. Adjust the seat.
The seatback should not be reclined any
more than needed for comfort when the
vehicle is moving. Seat belts are most
effective when the passenger sits well
back and straight up in the seat. If the
seat is reclined, the risk of sliding under
the lap belt and being injured is
increased.
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until it
snaps.
The retractor is designed to lock during a
sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion will permit the belt to move, and
allow you some freedom of movement in
the seat.
3. Position the lap belt portionlow on the
hipsas shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack.
The front passenger side seat belt and rear
MPA0002SPA0106SPA0118
2-25
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

3-point seat belts have a cinching mechanism
for child seat installation. It is referred to as the
automatic locking mode.
When the cinching mechanism is activated the
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the
seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle
and fully retracted. Refer to ªChild restraints for
infants and small childrenº later in this section
for more information.
IThe automatic locking mode should
be used only for child seat installa-
tion. 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.
Unfastening the belts
To unfasten the belt, press the button on the
buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract.
Checking seat belt operation
(3-point type with retractor)
Your seat belt retractors are designed to lock
belt movement using two separate methods:
1) When the belt is pulled quickly from the
retractor.
2) When the vehicle slows down rapidly.
You can check their operation as follows:
IGrasp the shoulder belt and pull quickly
forward. The retractor should lock and re-
strict further belt movement.
If the retractor does not lock during this check
or if you have any questions about belt opera-
tion, see your NISSAN dealer.
Shoulder belt height adjustment
(For front seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best for you. (See
ªPrecautions on seat belt usageº.) To adjust,
push the release button, and then move it to
the desired position, so that 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.
PD1321
2-26
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

After adjustment, release the button and
move it up and down to make sure the
shoulder belt anchor is securely fixed in
position.
2-POINT TYPE WITHOUT
RETRACTOR (center position of
rear seat)
Fastening the belts
1. Insert the tongue into the buckle marked
CENTER until it snaps.2. To lengthen, hold the tongue at a right
angle to the belt and pull on the belt. To
shorten, pull the end of the belt attached to
the belt clip away from the tongue, and then
pull the belt clip to take up the slack.
SPA0278SPA0279
2-27
Z01.2.1/A32-DX