2001 NISSAN SENTRA dashboard

Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental front air bag is lo-
cated in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger supplemental front air bag is
mounted in the dashboard above the glove
box.
These systems are designed to meet op-
tional certification requirements under U.S.
regulations. They are also permitted in
Canada. The optional certification allows
the front air bags to be designed to inflate
somewhat less forcefully than previously.
However, all of the information, cautions
and warnings in this manual still applyand must be followed.
The front air bag system is designed to
inflate in higher severity frontal collisions,
although it may inflate if the forces in an-
other 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 supplemental front 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
SSS0162WRS0003
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-11
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a fire, but care should be taken to not
intentionally 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
as practical away from the steering wheel or
instrument panel. Since the supplemental
front air bags inflate quickly in order to help
protect the front occupants, 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 front air bag module during infla-
tion.
The front air bags deflate quickly after a
collision.
The supplemental front air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in theON 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
Do 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 front air bag inflates.
cRight after inflation, several front air
bag system components will be hot.
Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.
c
No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental front air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental in-
flation of the front air bags or damage
to the front air bag system.cDo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle's electrical system, sus-
pension system or front end struc-
ture. This could affect proper opera-
tion of the supplemental front air bag
system.
cTampering with the supplemental front
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 install-
ing additional trim material around the
front air bag system.
cWork around and on the supplemen-
tal front air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical
equipment should also be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. The
yellow SRS wiring should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the supplemental front air bag
system.
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WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close tolocking up, the actuator (under the hood)
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration from the actuator under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is a sophisti-
cated device with electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids con-
trolled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the sys-
tem each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a ``clunk'' noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and is not an indication of any malfunction.
If the computer senses any malfunction, it
switches the anti-lock brake system OFF
and turns on the ABS brake warning light in
the dashboard. The brake system then op-
Starting and driving
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