PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
This supplemental restraint system descrip-
tion contains important information concern-
ing the driver and passenger supplemental
front air bags. The supplemental restraint
system air bags can help reduce impact
force to the driver and front passenger in
certain frontal collisions. The supplemental
air bags are designed tosupplementthe
crash protection provided by the seat belts
and arenot a substitutefor the seat belts.
The seat belts should always be correctly
worn and the driver and front passenger
seated a suitable distance from the steering
wheel and instrument panel. See ``Seat
belts'' and ªPrecautions on seat belt usageº
later in this section for details.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates. The supplemental
air bag warning light will turn off after
about 7 seconds if the system is opera-
tional.
WARNING
c
The supplemental front air bag ordi-
narily will not inflate in the event of a
side impact, rear impact, roll over, or
lower severity frontal collision. Always
wear your seat belts to help reduce the
risk or severity of injury in various
kinds of accidents.
cThe seat belts and the supplemental
front air bag are most effective when
you are sitting back and upright in the
seat. Front air bags inflate with great
force. If you are unrestrained, leaning
forward, sitting sideways, you are at-greater risk of injury or death in a crash
and may also receive serious or fatal
injuries from the supplemental front 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 wheel or instrument
panel. Always use the seat belts.cKeep hands on the outside of the steer-
ing wheel. Placing them inside the
steering wheel rim could increase the
risk that they are injured when the
supplemental front air bag inflates.
ARS1132
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-31
ZX
Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel. The front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box.
These systems are designed to meet optional
certification requirements under U.S. regula-
tions. They are also permitted in Canada. The
optional certification allows front air bags to
be designed to inflate somewhat less force-
fully than previously.However, all of the
information, cautions and warnings in this
manual still apply and must be followed.
The supplemental front air bag system is
designed to inflate in higher severity frontal
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 indica-
tion of proper supplemental air bag system
operation.
When the supplemental front air bag in-
flates, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by the release of smoke. This
smoke is not harmful and does not indicate
a fire, but care should be taken to notintentionally inhale it, as it may cause irrita-
tion and choking. Those with a history of a
breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
The supplemental front 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 injuries. However, an inflat-
ing front air bag may cause facial abrasions
or other injuries. Front air bags do not
provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far
away as practical from the steering wheel or
instrument panel. Since the supplemental
front air bag inflates quickly in order to help
protect the occupant, the force of the front 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 air bag
deflates quickly after a collision.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
WRS0014
1-34Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displayingin the instrument panel,
monitors the circuits of the supplemental
front air bag system. The circuits monitored
by the air bag warning light include the
diagnosis sensor unit, front air bag modules
and all related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag needs servicing
and should be taken to your nearest autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental
front air bag 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
supplemental front air bag system will
not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bag modules are
designed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag light remains illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of the air bag system
should be done only by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
supplemental air bag system must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture as noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side front
pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bag sys-
tem 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.
APD0554
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-37
ZX
This gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position even when the ignition
key is turned OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when
the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (empty).
CAUTION
cIf the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)''
later in this section.
AIC0005
FUEL GAUGE
Instruments and controls2-5
ZX
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake, fasten seat belts, and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on and
stay on until the engine is started:
,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
ABS or
,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an opencircuit in the electrical 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 an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Usethe dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
WIC0018
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the charging system. Turn the engine
off and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, missing, or if the light re-
mains on, see an authorized NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is
NOT securely fastened when the ignition
key is turned to ON or START, the chime
sounds for approximately 6 seconds and
the light illuminates.Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual for precautions on
seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the Air Bag Supple-
mental Restraint System is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle should be taken to an
authorized NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Air Bag Supple-
mental restraint system may not function
properly. For additional details, see ``Supple-
mental restraint system'' in the ``Seats, re-straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag will not operate in
an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
Instruments and controls
2-7
ZX
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
ABSorAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function turns off, but the brakes
continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for
two seconds each time the ignition key is
turned ON. This shows the light is function-
ing properly.
If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have an authorized NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair it if
necessary.
The automatic transmission is equipped
with an electronic Fail-Safe mode. This sys-
tem allows the vehicle to be driven even in
the event of damage to the electrical cir-
cuits. If this occurs, the gears automatically
engage and lock into third gear.
NOTE: See ``Fail-safe'' in the ``Starting and
driving'' section of this manual before visit-
ing an authorized NISSAN dealer.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX
CHIMES
Key reminder chime
The chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened with the headlight control switch on
(ignition switch is turned OFF).
The chime will not sound when the Auto-
lamp (if so equipped) shut-off delay is acti-
vated. Refer to the ``Autolamp Switch'' in-
structions later in this section.
Turn the headlight control switch to OFF
when you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion whether
or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have
the brakes checked as soon as possible if
the warning sound is heard.The theft warning system provides audio
and visual alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
Security indicator light
This light will illuminate for the theft warning
system.
This light blinks whenever the ignition
switch is in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC posi-
tion. This function indicates the security
systems equipped on the vehicle are opera-
tional.
IC0005LIC0004
THEFT WARNING
(if so equipped)
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX