2004 NISSAN XTERRA warning

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.cWork on and around the supplemental
front air bag system should be done by
a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
cal equipment should also be done by a
NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) wiring should not
be modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used on
the air bag system.
cA cracked windshield should be re-
placed immediately by a qualified re-
pair facility. A cracked windshield could
affect inflation of the supplemental air
bag system.
cThe 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 front air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri-
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
Supplemental curtain side-impact air
bag system (if so equipped)
The supplemental curtain side-impact air bags
are located in the roof side rails. This system is
designed to meet voluntary guidelines to help
reduce the risk of injury to out-of-position occu-
pants.However, all of the information, cau-
tions and warnings in this manual still ap-
ply and must be followed.The curtain side-
impact air bags are designed to inflate in higher
severity side collisions, although they may inflate
if the forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity side impact. They are
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designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle
is impacted. They may not inflate in certain side
collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper supplemental curtain side-
impact air bag operation.
When the supplemental curtain side-impact 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. 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.
Supplemental curtain side-impact air bags help
to cushion the impact force to the head of occu-
pants in the front and rear outboard seating po-
sitions. They can help save lives and reduce
serious injuries. However, an inflating curtain
side-impact air bag may cause abrasions or other
injuries. Supplemental curtain side-impact air
bags do not provide restraint to the lower body.
Rear seat passengers should be seated as far
away as practical from the door finishers and side
roof rails. The curtain side-impact air bag inflate
quickly in order to help protect the occupants.
Because of this, the force of the 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 cur-
tain side-impact air bag will deflate quickly after
the collision is over.
The supplemental curtain side-impact 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
cRight after inflation, several curtain
side-impact air bag system compo-
nents 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 curtain side-impact air bag system.
This is to prevent accidental inflation of
the curtain side-impact air bag or dam-
age to the 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 curtain side-impact air
bag system.
cWork around and on the curtain side-
impact air bag system should be done
by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of elec-
trical equipment should also be done by
a NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring har-
nesses* should not be modified or dis-
connected. 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.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-17
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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 maycause 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
lightwill flash intermittently after the igni-
tion key is turned to the ON or START position. In
this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will 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.
1-18Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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1. SRS Air Bag Warning LabelsSUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag system 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 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 diagnosis sensor unit,
crash zone sensor, supplemental front air bag
modules, supplemental curtain side-impact air
bag modules (if so equipped) , pre-tensioner seat
belts and all related wiring.
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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 system conditions occur,
the supplemental front air bag, supplemental cur-
tain side-impact air bag 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 Re-
straint System (supplemental front air bag,
supplemental curtain side-impact air bag or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems) may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag or pre-tensioner seat belt
systems will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supplemental
curtain side-impact air bags (if so equipped) and
pre-tensioner seat belts are designed 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 oc-
curred. Repair and replacement of these supple-
mental 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 curtain side-impact air bags, pre-
tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. 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 or
supplemental curtain side-impact air
bag has inflated, the air bag module will
not function again and must be re-
placed. Additionally, if any of the
supplemental front air bags inflate, the
activated pre-tensioner seat belts must
also be replaced. The air bag module
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 and cur-
tain side-impact air bag systems, 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.
1-20Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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WARNING
cEvery person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should use a seat belt at all
times. Children should be properly re-
strained in the rear seat and, if appro-
priate, in a child restraint.
WARNING
cThe seat belt should be properly ad-
justed to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint system and increase the
chance or severity of injury in an acci-
dent. Serious injury or death can occur
if the seat belt is not worn properly.
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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.
cNever 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 braking or a collision.
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.
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WARNING
Infants and children need special protec-
tion. 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 fit-
ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal
injury. Always use appropriate child
restraints.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri-
tories require the use of approved child restraints
for infants and small children. See “Child Re-
straints” later in this section.
In addition, there are many types of child re-
straints available for larger children which should
be used for maximum protection.
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens
and children be restrained in the rear seat.
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 system (Air
bag system) for the front passenger. See
“Supplemental restraint system” earlier in
this section.
Infants and small children
NISSAN recommends that infants and small chil-
dren be placed in child restraints that comply with
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Ca-
nadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You
should choose a child restraint that fits your ve-
hicle and always follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for installation and use.
Larger children
Children 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 posi-
tioned 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 Mo-
tor 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 cargo
areas while the vehicle is moving. The
child could be seriously injured or killed in
an accident or sudden stop.
PREGNANT WOMEN
NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use
seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug,
and always position the lap belt as low as pos-
sible 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 PERSONS
NISSAN recommends that injured persons use
seat belts. Check with your doctor for specific
recommendations.
1-24Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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