1998 NISSAN PATHFINDER warning

This Supplemental Restraint System section
contains important information concerning the
driver and passenger supplemental air bags.
The Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag
can help reduce impact force to the driver and
to the front passenger in certain frontal colli-
sions. The supplemental air bags are designed
tosupplementthe crash protection provided
by the driver and passenger seat belts and are
not a substitutefor them. The 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 ªSeat beltsº later in this section for
instructions and precautions on seat belt us-
age.)
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.
IThe supplemental air bags ordinarily
will not inflate in the event of a side
impact, rear impact, roll over, or
lower severity frontal collision. Al-
ways wear your seat belts to help
reduce the risk or severity of injury in
various kinds of accidents.
IThe seat belts and the supplemental
air bags are most effective when you
are sitting back and upright in the
seat. Supplemental air bags inflate
with great force. If you are unre-
strained, 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
SSS0096
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dashboard. Since the supplemental air bag
inflates quickly in order to help protect the
occupant, the force of the supplemental air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to or is against the
supplemental air bag module during inflation.
The supplemental air bag will deflate quickly
after a collision.
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.IDo not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steer-
ing wheel or instrument panel. Such
objects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the supple-
mental air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several supple-mental air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
INo 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 dam-
age to the supplemental air bag sys-
tem.
IDo 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.
ITampering 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 dashboard,
or by installing additional trim mate-
rial around the supplemental air bag
system.IWork 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
NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring har-
nesses* should not be modified or
disconnected. Unauthorized electri-
cal test equipment and probing de-
vices should not be used on the
supplemental 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 air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELSWarning labels about the supplemental air bag
system are placed in the vehicle.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag light, displaying AIR
BAG in the instrument panel, monitors the
circuits of the supplemental air bag. The cir-
cuits monitored by the supplemental air bag
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, supplemen-
tal air bag modules and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the air bag warning light illuminates. The
supplemental air bag warning light will turn off
after about 7 seconds if the system is opera-
tional.
SSS0121
SPA0652
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing.
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds and
then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently or remains on (after 7 seconds).
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental Re-
straint System Air Bag may not operate prop-
erly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag system will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental air bag system is designed
to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supplemen-
tal air bag light will remain illuminated after
inflation has occurred. Repair and replace-
ment of the supplemental air bag system
should be done only by authorized NISSAN
dealers.
To ensure long-term functioning, the sys-
tem must be inspected 10 years after the
date of manufacture noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side center
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 igni-
tion key should always be in the LOCK position
when working under the hood or inside the
vehicle.IOnce the supplemental air bag has
inflated, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. The supplementalair bag module should be replaced by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
supplemental air bag module cannot
be repaired.
IThe 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.
IIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct supplemental air bag dis-
posal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
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occur if the seat belt is not worn
properly.
IAlways 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.
IPosition 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.
IBe sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.
IDo not wear the belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its ef-
fectiveness.
IDo not allow more than one person to
use the same belt.
INever carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.
IIf the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition isturned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indicate
a malfunction in the system. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
IAll seat belt assemblies including re-
tractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected after any colli-
sion by your NISSAN dealer. 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.
CHILD SAFETYChildren 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 lb (9 kg)) should be placed in rear
facing child restraints. Front facing child re-
straints are available for children who outgrowrear facing child restraints.
Infants and children need special pro-
tection. 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 US states and provinces of Canada require
the use of approved child restraints for infants
and small children. (See ªChild restraints 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.
NISSAN recommends that all preteens 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 ve-
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2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ....................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ................................................... 2-3
Compass and outside temperature display
(if so equipped) ......................................................... 2-6
Warning/indicator lights and buzzers ........................ 2-9
Security system ....................................................... 2-14
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-15
Rear window wiper and washer switch................... 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch ....................................................... 2-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-17
Front fog light switch ............................................... 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-19
Horn......................................................................... 2-20Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-20
Power socket........................................................... 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays ................................. 2-22
Storage .................................................................... 2-23
Windows .................................................................. 2-30
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-32
Clock ....................................................................... 2-33
Interior light ............................................................. 2-34
Personal light .......................................................... 2-35
Vanity mirror light .................................................... 2-35
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-35
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Driver's supplemental air bag (P.1-9)
Cruise control
set switch
(P.5-16)
Outside mirror remote control
(P.3-14) Headlight/dimmer/turn signal switch (P.2-17)
Front fog light switch (P.2-19)Meter/gauge (P.2-3)
Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.2-15)
Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-19)
Center ventilator (P.4-2)
Heater/air conditioner control (P.4-3)Compass/outside air temperature display (P.2-5)
Passenger supplemental air bag (P.1-9)
Side ventilator (P.4-2)
Glove box (P.2-25)
Cigarette lighter (P.2-22)
Radio/CD player (P.4-14)/clock (P.2-33)
Rear window wiper/washer switch (P.2-16)
Rear window/outside mirror defroster switch (P.2-16)Ignition switch/steering lock (P.5-6)Heated seat switch (P.2-20)
Tilting steering wheel adjust lever (P.3-13)Hood release handle (P.3-8)Fuse box cover (P.8-21)
Coin tray (P.2-23) Theft warning light (P.2-14) Cruise control main switch (P.5-16)
Instrument brightness control
(P.2-18)
SIC0682
See the page indicated in parentheses for operating details.
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
Instruments and controls
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Engine oil pressure warning light
or
Brake warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Charge warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(Except for Canada)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Door open warning light
Anti-lock brake warning light
(For Canada)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Seat belt warning light and buzzer
Automatic transmission park warning light
CRUISE indicator light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Low washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)
Tire carrier open warning light
Four-wheel drive indicator light
CHECKING BULBSTurn the ignition key to ON without starting the
engine. The following lights will come on:
,
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
,
or
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND BUZZERS
Instruments and controls
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