2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER Owners Manual

Supplemental side air bag system (if
so equipped)The supplemental side air bags are located in
the outside of the seatback of the front seats.
The supplemental side air bag (on the driver or
front passenger seat) is designed to inflate in
higher severity side collisions, although it may
inflate if the forces in another type of collision
are similar to those of a higher severity side
impact. It is designed to inflate on the side
where the vehicle is impacted. It may not
inflate in certain side collisions. Vehicle dam-
age (or lack of it) is not always an indication of
proper supplemental side air bag operation.When the supplemental side air bags inflate, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and does not indicate a fire, but care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing condition should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags along with the use
of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force
on the head and chest of the front occupants.
They can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating side air bag may
cause abrasions or other injuries.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the supplemental side
air bags. Since the side air bags inflate quickly
in order to help protect the front occupants, the
force of the side air bag inflating can increase
the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to
or is against the side air bag module during
inflation. The side air bags will deflate quickly
after the collision is over.
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.
WARNING
IDo not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door fin-
isher and the front seat. Such objects
may become dangerous projectiles
and cause injury if the supplemental
side air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several side 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 side air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
inflation of the side air bags or dam-
age to the side air bag system.
IDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
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This could affect proper operation of
the side air bag system.
ITampering with the supplemental
side air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the front seats
assembly by placing material near
the seatback of the front seat, or by
installing additional trim material
around the side air bag system.
IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal side air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wir-
ing harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the side 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 easyidentification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental side
air bag system and guide the buyer to the
appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.
Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING
IThe pre-tensioner seat belts cannot
be reused after activation. They must
be replaced together with the retrac-
tor as a unit.
IIf the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but the pre-tensioner
is not activated, be sure to have the
pre-tensioner system checked and, if
necessary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system.This is to prevent accidental activa-
tion of the pre-tensioner seat belts or
damage to the pre-tensioner seat belt
operation. Tampering with the pre-
tensioner seat belt system may result
in serious personal injury.
IWork around and on the pretensioner
system should be done by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. 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.
IIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal proce-
dures 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 conjunction with the supplemental
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front air bags. Working with the seat belt
retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt the
instant the vehicle becomes involved in certain
types of collisions, thereby restraining seat
occupants.
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 inhale it as it may cause
irritation and choking.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
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 func-
tion properly. The system should be inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat
belt system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELSWarning labels about the supplemental air bag
system and supplemental side air bag system
are placed in the vehicle.
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, dis-
playing AIR BAG in the instrument panel,
monitors the circuits of the supplemental front
air bag and supplemental side air bag sys-
tems. The circuits monitored by the air bag
warning light are the diagnosis sensor unit,
satellite sensors, front air bag modules, side
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 offafter about 7 seconds if the systems are
operational.
If any of the following conditions occurs, the
supplemental front air bag and supplemental
side air bag systems need servicing:
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on (after 7
seconds).
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags or supplemental side air bags may not
operate properly. It must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal front air bag system or supplemental
side air bag system will not operate in anaccident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags and supple-
mental side air bags are designed to inflate on
a one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless
they are damaged, the supplemental air bag
warning light will remain illuminated after infla-
tion has occurred. Repair and replacement of
the supplemental systems should be done
only by authorized NISSAN dealers.
To ensure long-term functioning, the sys-
tems 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 front air bags,
supplemental side air bags and related parts
should be pointed out to the person conducting
the maintenance. The ignition key should al-
ways be in the LOCK position when working
under the hood or inside the vehicle.
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WARNING
IOnce the supplemental air bags or
supplemental side air bag has in-
flated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be replaced.
The air bag module should be re-
placed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The air bag module cannot be
repaired.
IThe supplemental front air bag and
supplemental side air bag systems
should be inspected by an authorized
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage
to the front end or side portion of the
vehicle or replaced if the supplemen-
tal air bag has inflated.
IIf you need to dispose of these
supplemental systems or scrap the
vehicle, contact an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Correct disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect
disposal procedures could cause
personal injury.
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SEAT BELTS
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PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGEYour 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 a supple-
mental air bag.
Most states, provinces or territories require
that seat belts be worn at all times when a
vehicle is being driven.
WARNING
IEvery 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.
IThe belt should be properly adjusted
to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint systems and increase the
chance or severity of injury in anaccident. Serious injury or death can
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-
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hicle than there are seat belts.
IIf 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 your NISSAN
dealer.
IOnce the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and
must be replaced together with the
retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.
IRemoval and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system compo-
nents should be done by an autho-
rized 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 damageand 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 outgrow
rear facing child restraints.
WARNING
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 orfatal 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 restraintsº 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
vehicle has a Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (Air Bag System) for the front passen-
ger. See ªSupplemental Restraint Systemº
earlier in this section for precaution.
Infants and small childrenNISSAN recommends that infants and small
children be placed in child restraints that com-
ply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards. You should choose a child restraint that
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fits your vehicle and always follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for installation and use.Larger childrenChildren 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 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 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.
WARNING
Never let a child stand or kneel on any
seat and do not allow a child in the cargoareas while the vehicle is moving. The
child could be seriously injured or killed
in an accident or sudden stop.
PREGNANT WOMENNISSAN recommends that pregnant women
use seat belts. The seat belt should be worn
snug, and always position the lap belt as low
as possible around the hips, not the waist.
Place the shoulder belt over your shoulder and
across your chest. Never run the lap/shoulder
belt over your abdominal area. Contact your
doctor for specific recommendations.INJURED PERSONSNISSAN recommends that injured persons
use seat belts, depending on the injury. Check
with your doctor for specific recommendations.
THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WITH RETRACTOR
WARNING
IEvery person who drives or rides in
this vehicle should use a seat belt at
all times.
IDo 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
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