2001 NISSAN XTERRA ignition

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
This supplemental restraint system section
contains important information concerning
the driver and passenger supplemental 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 protec-
tion provided by the driver and front passen-
ger seat belts and arenot a substitutefor
them. 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
``Seat belts'' for instructions and precautions
on seat belt usage later in this section.
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
OThe 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.
OThe seat belts and the supplemental
air bags are most effective when you
are sitting well back and upright in-
the seat. Supplemental air bags in-
flate with great force. If you areunrestrained, leaning forward, sit-
ting sideways or out of position in
anyway, you are at greater risk of
injury or death in a crash and may
also receive serious or fatal injuries
fromthe 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 wheel or instrument panel.
Always use the seat belts.
OKeep hands on the outside of the
steering wheel. Placing them inside
ARS1151
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
1-6Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

tion, cautions and warnings in this manual
still apply and must be followed.
The supplemental air bag system is de-
signed 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 indication of proper supplemental air bag
system operation.
When the supplemental air bag inflates, 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 not to intentionally
inhale it, as it may cause irritation and
choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
The supplemental air bags, along with the
use of the seat belts, helps to cushion the
impact force on the face and chest of the
occupant. It can help save lives and reduce
serious injuries. However, an inflating sup-
plemental air bag may cause facial abrasions
or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do
not provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and thedriver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
instrument panel. Since the supplemental air
bags inflate quickly in order to help protect
the front occupants, the force of the supple-
mental air bags inflating can increase the
risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or
against the supplemental air bag module
during inflation.
The supplemental air bags deflate quickly
after a collision.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
WARNING
ODo not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or on the instru-
ment panel. Such objects may be-
come dangerous projectiles, and
cause injury if the supplemental air
bag inflates.
ORight after inflation, several supple-
mental air bag system componentswill be hot. Do not touch them; you-
may severely burn yourself.
O
No 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 damage
to the supplemental air bag system.
ODo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle's electrical system, sus-
pension system or front end structure.
This could affect proper operation of
the supplemental air bag system.
OTampering 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 instrument
panel, or by installing additional trim
material around the supplemental air
bag system.
OWork around and on the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
1-10Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

tently after the ignition key is turned to the
ON or START position. In this case, the
pre-tensioner seat belt will not function
properly.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the pre-
tensioner seat belt system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in this
Owner's Manual.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental air
bag system are placed in the vehicle as
shown in the illustration.
ARS1229
1-12Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displaying
in the instrument panel,
monitors the circuits of the supplemental air
bag and pre-tensioner seat belt systems.
The circuits monitored by the supplemental
air bag warning light are the diagnosis sen-
sor unit, the supplemental air bag modules,
pre-tensioner seat belts and all related wir-
ing.
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warninglight illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following system conditions
occur, the supplemental air bag and pre-
tensioner seat belt systems need servicing
and should be taken to an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer:
O
The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
OThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
OThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System (supplemental air bag or
pre-tensioner seat belt systems may not
function properly. It must be checked and
repaired.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag or pre-tensioner
seat belt systems will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag modules are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag warning light remains
illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done only by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
supplemental air bag system must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture noted on the certification
label located on the driver side door
jamb 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
ignition key must always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
WRS0062
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-13
ZX

OAlways 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.
OPosition 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 inter-
nal injuries in an accident.OBe sure the seat belt tongue is se-
curely fastened to the proper buckle.
ODo not wear the seat belt inside out
or twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
ODo not allow more than one person
to use the same seat belt.
ONever carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.
O
Never allow anyone to ride in the
cargo area while the vehicle is in
motion. It does not contain seat belts.It is not designed for passengers.
They could be injured in sudden brak-
ing or a collision.
OIf the seat belt warning light glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indi-
cate a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
OAll seat belt assemblies including
retractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer after any colli-
sion. NISSAN recommends that all
seat belt assemblies in use during a
collision be replaced unless the col-
lision was minor and the belts show
no damage and continue to operate
properly. Seat belt assemblies not in
use during a collision should also be
inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is
noted.
ARS1100ARS1103
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-15
ZX

FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE
fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle returns to empty (E) after
the ignition key is turned OFF.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (Empty).
CAUTION
OIf 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.
OFor additional information, see the
(Malfunction indicator light (MIL)(
later in this section.
AIC1102
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX

Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow fuel warning light
(if so equipped)Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)orAnti-lock brake warning
light
High beam indicator light4-wheel drive indicator light
(model)Supplemental air bag warning light
Seat belt reminder light and chimeCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission park warning
light (model)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)Automatic transmission oil temperature
warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Door open warning light
CHECKING BULBS
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to the ON position without starting the
engine. The following lights come on:
,,,or,
If the driver's seat belt is fastened before the
ignition key is turned to the ON position, the
light will not come on briefly and then
go off.
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 electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake warn-
ing light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases but the ordinary
brakes continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer for repair.
Automatic transmission oil
temperature warning light
This light comes on when the automatic
transmission oil temperature is too high. If
the light comes on while driving, reduce the
vehicle speed as soon as safely possible
until the light turns off.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation when the A/Toil temperature warning light is on may
damage the automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
This light indicates that the automatic trans-
mission parking function is not engaged. If
the transfer control lever is not secured in
any drive position while the automatic trans-
mission selector lever is in the P (Park)
position, the transmission will disengage
and the vehicle may move unexpectedly.
Shift the transfer control lever into the 2H,
4H, or 4L position when the warning light
comes on.
OWhen parking, always make sure that the
transfer control lever is in 2H, 4H, or 4L
and the parking brake is set.
OIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
OFailure to engage the transfer control
lever in 2H, 4H, or 4L could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting inserious personal injury or property dam-
age.
WARNING
OIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates
that the automatic transmission P
(Park) position will not function and
the transfer control lever is in the N
(Neutral) position.
orBrake 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.
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch 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.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX