2004 NISSAN ALTIMA light

seat belt buckle sensors that detect if the seat
belts are fastened. Inflator operation is based on
the severity of a collision and whether the seat
belts are being used. Only one front air bag may
inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity
and whether the front occupants are belted or
unbelted. This does not indicate improper perfor-
mance of the system. If you have any questions
about the performance of your air bag system,
please contact your NISSAN dealer.
When the supplemental front 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. Care should be taken to
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok-
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the face and chest of the front occupants. They
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating 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 instru-
ment panel. The supplemental front air bags in-
flate quickly in order to help protect the frontoccupants. Because of this, 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 inflation.
The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision.
The supplemental front 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 warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
WARNING
cDo 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 steering
wheel or instrument panel. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous projec-
tiles and cause injury if the supplemen-
tal front air bag inflates.
cImmediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.cNo 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.
cDo 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 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 instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
1-16Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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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 supplemental side air
bag. Rear seat passengers should be seated as
far away as practical from the door finishers and
side roof rails. The side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bag inflate quickly in order to help
protect the front occupants. Because of this, the
force of the side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against, these
air bag modules during inflation. The side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag will deflate
quickly after the collision is over.
The supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bags operate only when the
ignition switch is in the ON or START posi-
tions.
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
cDo not place any objects near the seat-
back of the front seats. Also, do not
place any objects (an umbrella, bag,
etc.) between the front door finisher
and the front seat. Such objects may
become dangerous projectiles and
cause injury if the supplemental side air
bag inflates.
cRight after inflation, several side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system
components will be hot. Do not touch
them; you may severely burn yourself.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system. This is to prevent acci-
dental inflation of the side air bag and
curtain side-impact air bag or damage
to the side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag system.
cDo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or side panel. This
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system.cTampering with the supplemental side
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial near the seatback or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, around the side air bag.
cWork around and on the side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.
Installation of electrical equipment
should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. The SRS wiring harnesses*
should not be modified or discon-
nected. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the side air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag system and
guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this
Owner’s Manual.
1-18Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING
cThe pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
reused after activation. It must be re-
placed together with the retractor and
buckle as a unit.
cIf 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 nec-
essary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This
is to prevent accidental activation of
the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage
to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation.
Tampering with the pre-tensioner seat
belt system may result in serious per-
sonal injury.cWork around and on the pre-tensioner
system should be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat
belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner
disposal procedures 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 air
bag systems. Working with the seat belt retrac-
tor, it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle
becomes involved in certain types of collisions,
helping to restrain front 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.
This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a
fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it may
cause irritation and choking. Those with a history
of a breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
will not come on, will flash intermit-
tently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on
after the ignition key has been turned to the ON or
START position. In this case, the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest 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 appropriate
sections in this Owner’s Manual.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-19
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1. SRS Air Bag Warning Labels
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag systems are placed in the vehicle as shown
in the illustration.
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displayingin the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-
impact air bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner
seat belt systems. The circuits monitored by the
supplemental air bag warning light are the diag-
nosis sensor unit, crash zone sensor, satellite
sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag mod-
ules, curtain side-impact air bag modules, pre-
tensioner seat belts 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, supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt systems
need servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
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, supplemental side air bags and curtain
side-impact air bag (if so equipped) or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
WRS0390LRS0100
1-20Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact air bag systems (if so
equipped) and/or pre-tensioner seat belt
systems will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belts 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
these supplemental air bag systems should be
done only by a NISSAN dealer.When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags
(if so equipped) , pre-tensioner seat belts and
related parts should be pointed out to the person
performing the maintenance. The ignition key
should always be in the LOCK position when
working under the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce a supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag or curtain
side-impact air bag has inflated, the air
bag module will not function again and
must be replaced. Additionally, if any of
the supplemental front air bags inflate,
the activated pre-tensioner seat belts
must also be replaced. The air bag mod-
ule and pre-tensioner seat belt system
should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
The air bag module and pre-tensioner
seat belt system cannot be repaired.cThe supplemental front air bag, side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag sys-
tems, and the pre-tensioner seat belt
system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to
the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat belt
system or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct supplemental
air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-21
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WARNING
cAlways 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.
cPosition 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.cBe sure the seat belt tongue is securely
fastened to the proper buckle.
cDo not wear the seat belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
cDo not allow more than one person to
use the same seat belt.
cNever carry more people in the vehicle
than there are seat belts.
cIf the seat belt warning light glows con-
tinuously while the ignition is turned
ON with all doors closed and all seat
belts fastened, it may indicate a mal-
function in the system. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
cOnce the pre-tensioner seat belt has
activated, it cannot be reused and must
be replaced together with the retractor.
See your NISSAN dealer.
cRemoval and installation of the pre-
tensioner seat belt system components
should be done by a NISSAN dealer.cAll seat belt assemblies, including re-
tractors and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after any collision
by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recom-
mends that all seat belt assemblies in
use during a collision be replaced un-
less the collision 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.
cAll child restraints and attaching hard-
ware should be inspected after any col-
lision. Always follow the restraint
manufacturer’s inspection instructions
and replacement recommendations.
The child restraints should be replaced
if they are damaged.
CHILD SAFETY
Children 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 pounds (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.
SSS0014
1-24Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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4. Allow the seat belt to retract slightly. Pull up
on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in
the belt.5. Before placing the child in the child restraint,
use force to tilt the child restraint from side
to side, and tug it forward to make sure that
it is securely held in place. It should not move
more than 1 inch.
6. Check that the retractor is in the automatic
locking mode by trying to pull more seat belt
out of the retractor. If you cannot pull any
more belt webbing out of the retractor, the
retractor is in the automatic locking mode.7. Check to make sure the child restraint is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
seat belt is not locked, repeat steps 3
through 6.
After the child restraint is removed and the seat
belt is fully retracted, the automatic locking mode
(child restraint mode) is canceled.
Front Facing — step 4
WRS0161
Front Facing — step 5
WRS0380
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-41
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped)...................2-5
Tachometer....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-7
Fuel gauge....................................2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-9
Checking bulbs................................2-9
Warning lights.................................2-9
Indicator lights................................2-11
Audible reminders.............................2-13
Security systems.................................2-13
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-13
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)........2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-16
Switch operation..............................2-16
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-18
Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-18
Headlight control switch........................2-19
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-21Instrument brightness control...................2-21
Turn signal switch.............................2-22
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-23
Horn............................................2-24
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-24
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-25
Power outlet.....................................2-26
Storage.........................................2-27
Map pockets..................................2-27
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-27
Sunglasses holder.............................2-27
Cup holders..................................2-28
Glove box....................................2-29
Console box..................................2-29
Covered storage box...........................2-31
Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-32
Windows........................................2-32
Power windows...............................2-32
Sunroof (if so equipped)...........................2-34
Automatic sunroof.............................2-34
Interior light......................................2-36
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