Driving Safety Manual

The inside pages of this manual contain
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN Before driving your vehicle please read this Own- MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
confidence. It was produced using the latest with controls and maintenance requirements, as- This vehicle should not be modified.
techniques and strict quality control. sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle. Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
This manual was prepared to help you under-
WARNING may even violate governmental
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome- regulations. In addition, damage or per-
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this MINDERS FOR SAFETY! formance problems resulting from
manual before operating your vehicle. modifications may not be covered un-
Follow these important driving rules to der NISSAN warranties.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet help ensure a safe and complete trip for
explains details about the warranties cov- you and your passengers!
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
● NEVER drive under the influence of al-
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
cohol or drugs.
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer ● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will and never drive too fast for conditions.
explain how to resolve any concerns you
● ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
may have with your vehicle, as well as
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
children should be seated in the rear
law.
seat.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle ● ALWAYS provide information about the
best. When you require any service or have any proper use of vehicle safety features to
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the all occupants of the vehicle.
extensive resources available to them.
● ALWAYS review this owner’s manual for
important safety information.

੬ REVIEW COPY:—2003 Sentra (b15)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
12/10/02—sysadmin ੭

The inside pages of this manual contain
WHEN READING THE MANUAL a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

This manual includes information for all options CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
available on this model. Therefore, you may find WARNING
some information that does not apply to your
vehicle.
WARNING
All information, specifications and illustrations in
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
this manual are those in effect at the time of
and certain vehicle components contain
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
or emit chemicals known to the State of
specifications or design without notice and with-
California to cause cancer and birth de-
out obligation.
fects or other reproductive harm. In addi-
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles
THIS MANUAL and certain products of component wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the
You will see various symbols in this manual. They State of California to cause cancer and
are used in the following ways: APD1005 birth defects or other reproductive harm.
If you see this symbol, it means “Do not do this”
WARNING
or “Do not let this happen.”
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause death or serious
personal injury. To avoid or reduce the If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustra-
risk, the procedures must be followed tion, it means the arrow points to the front of the
precisely. vehicle. © 2003 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
CAUTION
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s
This is used to indicate the presence of a Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval
hazard that could cause minor or moder- indicate movement or action. system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
ate personal injury or damage to your ve- means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro- recording or otherwise, without the prior written
cedures must be followed carefully. Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gar-
call attention to an item in the illustration. dena, California.

12/10/02—debbie ੭

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com-
pany has also developed ways to build quality into its
vehicles at each stage of the production process,
both through extensive use of automation and —
most importantly — through an awareness that
people are the central element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best job
was being done in producing and delivering your
vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that
when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for
maintenance, the service technician will perform his
work according to the quality standards that have
WFW0002 been established by NISSAN.
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineer- Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical ing at Nissan Technical Center North America in know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc- Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN systems that will help protect you and your passen-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
in 170 nations. 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and drive the vehicle.
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world- Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli- with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and 4,500 people. These include company employees you can be proud to own.
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada.
engines, boats and other diversified products. In addition, many Canadians work for companies
that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma-
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in- terials and services ranging from the operation of
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment port facilities and transportation services, to the
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the Nissan Manufacturing facility in Smyrna, NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com-
Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan Design puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in

12/10/02—debbie ੭

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES . . .
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to following information: Nissan North America, Inc.
provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques- Consumer Affairs Department
tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs – Your name, address, and telephone number
Department using our toll-free number: P.O. Box 191
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the Gardena, California 90248-0191
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
1-800-NISSAN-1 side) For Hawaii customers
(1-800-647-7261) Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
– Date of purchase 2880 Kilihau St.
For Hawaii customers – Current odometer reading Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name For Canadian customers
For Canadian customers Nissan Canada Inc.
1-800-387-0122 – Your comments or questions
5290 Orbitor Drive
OR Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
You can write to NISSAN with the information at:

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

12/10/02—debbie ੭

Table of Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1
Contents Instruments and controls 2
Pre-driving checks and adjustments 3
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems 4
Starting and driving 5
In case of emergency 6
Appearance and care 7
Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8
Technical and consumer information 9
Index 10

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Front manual seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Three-point type seat belt with retractor . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Folding rear seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Seat belt extenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Head restraint adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Seat belt maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Precautions on supplemental restraint Precautions on child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Installation on rear seat center or outboard
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16 positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Supplemental air bag warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 LATCH ͑lower anchors and tether for children͒
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33
Precautions on seat belt usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18 Top tether strap child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Installation on front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35
Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

12/10/02—debbie ੭

SEATS

FRONT MANUAL SEAT
0

ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation. The seat may move
suddenly and could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle.
● After adjustment, gently rock in the seat
to make sure it is securely locked.

ARS1152

WARNING ● For the most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should
● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when be upright. Always sit well back in the
the seatback is reclined. This can be seat and adjust the seat properly. See
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not “Precautions on Seat Belt Usage” later
be against your body. In an accident, in this section.
you could be thrown into it and receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and
receive serious internal injuries.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems


WRS0175 WRS0176 WRS0131
Forward and backward Reclining Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver’s
Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean seat)
seat forward or backward to the desired position. back. To bring the seatback forward, pull the lever Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of
Release the lever to lock the seat in position. up and lean your body forward. Release the lever the seat cushion to the desired position.
to lock the seatback in position.

WARNING
After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to
make sure it is securely locked.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3


● When returning the seatbacks to the
upright position, be certain they are
completely secured. If they are not com-
pletely secured in the latched position,
passengers may be injured in an acci-
dent or sudden stop.
● Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
WRS0132 access to car keys.

FOLDING REAR SEAT WARNING
Interior trunk access ● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo
area or on the rear seat when it is in the
The trunk can be accessed from the rear seat for fold-down position. Use of these areas
loading and unloading, as shown. by passengers without proper restraints
could result in serious injury in an acci-
᭺
1 Pull the knob in the trunk to release the rear
dent or sudden stop.
seatback.
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
᭺
2 Fold down the rear seatback.
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.



LRS0058 WRS0133 WRS0134
When using the fold down rear seatback, the rear HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT Adjust the head restraint so the center is level
center seat belt retractor may lock up and prevent with the center of your ears.
folding down the seatback. To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower,
push and hold the lock knob and push the head
If the rear center seat belt retractor has inadvert- restraint down.
ently locked up, push the seat belt webbing to-
ward the retractor as shown in the above illustra- WARNING
tion. This will unlock the seat belt retractor and
allow the rear seatback to fold down. Head restraints should be adjusted prop-
erly as they may provide significant pro-
tection against injury in an accident. Do
not remove them. Check the adjustment
after someone else uses the seat.



SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM

PRECAUTIONS ON and front door finishers. (See “Seat belts” later in
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT this section for instructions and precautions on
seat belt usage.)
SYSTEM
The supplemental air bags operate only
This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec- when the ignition switch is in the ON or
tion contains important information concerning START position.
the driver and passenger supplemental front air
bags, supplemental side air bags and preten- After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
sioner seat belts.
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
Supplemental front impact air bag system: warning light will turn off after about 7
This system can help cushion the impact force to seconds if the system is operational.
the face and chest of the driver and front passen-
ger in certain frontal collisions.
Supplemental side-impact air bag system
(if so equipped): This system can help cushion
the impact force to the chest area of the driver
and front passenger in certain side impact colli-
sions. The supplemental side air bag is designed
to inflate on the side where the vehicle is im-
pacted.
These supplemental restraint systems are de-
signed to supplement the crash protection pro-
vided by the driver and front passenger seat belts
and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts
should always be correctly worn and the driver
and front passenger seated a suitable distance
away from the steering wheel, instrument panel



● Keep 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
0
supplemental front air bag inflates.

WRS0031

WARNING ● The seat belts and the supplemental
front air bags are most effective when
● The supplemental front air bags ordi- you are sitting well back and upright in
narily will not inflate in the event of a the seat. The front air bags inflate with
side impact, rear impact, rollover, or great force. If you are unrestrained,
lower severity frontal collision. Always leaning forward, sitting sideways or out
wear your seat belts to help reduce the of position in any way, you are at
risk or severity of injury in various kinds greater risk of injury or death in a crash.
of accidents. You 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.



ARS1133 ARS1041

WARNING
● Never let children ride unrestrained or
extend their hands or face out of the
window. Do not attempt to hold them in
your lap or arms. Some examples of
dangerous riding positions are shown
in the illustrations.



ARS1042 ARS1043 ARS1044



ARS1045 WRS0256 SSS0101

WARNING WARNING
● Children may be severely injured or Supplemental side air bag (if so
killed when the supplemental front air equipped):
bags inflate if they are not properly re-
● The supplemental side air bag ordi-
strained. Pre-teens and children should
narily will not inflate in the event of a
be properly restrained in the rear seat, if
frontal impact, rear impact or lower se-
possible.
verity side collision. Always wear your
● Never install a rear-facing child re- seat belt to help reduce the risk or se-
straint in the front seat. An inflating verity of injury in various kinds of
supplemental front air bag could seri- accidents.
ously injure or kill your child. See “Child
restraints” later in this section for
details.



● The seat belts and the supplemental
side air bag are most effective when
you are sitting well back and upright in
the seat. The side air bag inflates with
great force. Do not allow anyone to
place their hand, leg or face near the
side air bag on the side of the seatback
of the front seat. Do not allow anyone
sitting in the front seat to extend their
hand out of the window or lean against
the door.
● When sitting in the rear seat, do not
hold onto the seatback of the front seat.
If the side air bag inflates, you may be WRS0032 SSS0159
seriously injured. Be especially careful
with children, who should always be
properly restrained. Some examples of
dangerous riding positions are shown
in the illustrations.
● Do not use seat covers on the front
seatbacks. They may interfere with
supplemental side air bag inflation.



SSS0162 WRS0135
1. Supplemental front air bag modules They are also permitted in Canada. The optional
2. Supplemental side air bag modules (if certification allows the front air bags to be de-
so equipped) signed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than
3. Satellite sensors (if so equipped) previously. However, all of the information,
4. Seat belt pre-tensioner retractor cautions and warnings in this manual still
apply and must be followed.
5. Diagnosis sensor unit
Supplemental front air bag system The supplemental front air bag system is de-
signed to inflate in higher severity frontal colli-
The driver supplemental front air bag is located in sions, although it may inflate if the forces in an-
the center of the steering wheel. The passenger other type of collision are similar to those of a
supplemental front air bag is mounted in the higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in
dashboard above the glove box. certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack
These systems are designed to meet optional of it) is not always an indication of proper supple-
certification requirements under U.S. regulations. mental front air bag system operation.



When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a After turning the ignition key to the ON ● Do not make unauthorized changes to
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the position, the supplemental air bag warning your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and light illuminates. The supplemental air bag pension system or front end structure.
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to warning light will turn off after about 7 This could affect proper operation of
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok- seconds if the system is operational. the supplemental front air bag system.
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
● Tampering with the supplemental front
should get fresh air promptly. WARNING
air bag system may result in serious
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of ● Do not place any objects on the steer- personal injury. Tampering includes
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on ing wheel pad or on the instrument changes to the steering wheel and the
the face and chest of the front occupants. They panel. Also, do not place any objects instrument panel assembly by placing
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. between any occupant and the steering material over the steering wheel pad
However, an inflating front air bag may cause wheel or instrument panel. Such ob- and above the instrument panel or by
facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags jects may become dangerous projec- installing additional trim material
do not provide restraint to the lower body. tiles and cause injury if the supplemen- around the air bag system.
tal front air bag inflates.
● Work around and on the supplemental
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the
● Right after inflation, several front air front air bag system should be done by
driver and passenger seated upright as far as bag system components will be hot. Do a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
practical away from the steering wheel or instru- not touch them; you may severely burn cal equipment should also be done by a
ment panel. The supplemental front air bags in- yourself. NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Re-
flate quickly in order to help protect the front straint System (SRS) wiring should not
occupants. Because of this, the force of the front ● No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of be modified or disconnected. Unautho-
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if rized electrical test equipment and
the occupant is too close to, or is against, the the supplemental air bag system. This is
to prevent accidental inflation of the probing devices should not be used on
front air bag module during inflation. the air bag system.
supplemental air bag or damage to the
The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision. supplemental air bag system. ● A cracked windshield should be re-
placed immediately by a qualified re-
The supplemental front air bags operate pair facility. A cracked windshield could
only when the ignition switch is in the ON affect inflation of the supplemental air
or START position. bag system.



● The SRS wiring harness connectors are When the supplemental side air bag inflates, a
yellow for easy identification. fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by re-
lease of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
When selling your vehicle, we request that you does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to
inform the buyer about the supplemental front air not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok-
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri- ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual. should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the chest of the front occupants. They can help
save lives and reduce serious injuries. However,
an inflating side air bag may cause abrasions or
other injuries. Side air bags do not provide re-
LRS0020 straint to the lower body.

Supplemental side air bag system (if The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
so equipped) practical away from the supplemental side air
The supplemental side air bags are located in the bag. The side air bag inflates quickly in order to
outside of the seatback of the front seats. The help protect the front occupants. Because of this,
supplemental side air bag (on the driver or front the force of the side air bag inflating can increase
passenger seat) is designed to inflate in higher the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or
severity side collisions, although it may inflate if is against, the side air bag module during infla-
tion. The side air bag will deflate quickly after a
the forces in another type of collision are similar
collision.
to those of a higher severity side impact. It is
designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle The supplemental side air bags operate
is impacted. It may not inflate in certain side only when the ignition switch is in the ON
collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not or START position.
always an indication of proper supplemental side After turning the ignition key to the ON
air bag operation. position, the supplemental air bag warning


light illuminates. The supplemental air bag ● Tampering with the supplemental side Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
warning light will turn off after about 7 air bag system may result in serious front seats)
seconds if the system is operational. personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate- WARNING
WARNING rial near the seatback or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat ● The pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
● Do not place any objects near the seat- reused after activation. It must be re-
back of the front seats. Also, do not covers, around the side air bag.
placed together with the retractor and
place any objects (an umbrella, bag, ● Work around and on the supplemental buckle as a unit.
etc.) between the front door finisher side air bag system should be done by a
and the front seat. Such objects may NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical ● If the vehicle becomes involved in a
become dangerous projectiles and equipment should also be done by a frontal collision but the pre-tensioner is
cause injury if the supplemental side air NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring har- not activated, be sure to have the pre-
bag inflates. nesses* should not be modified or dis- tensioner system checked and, if nec-
connected. Unauthorized electrical test essary, replaced by your NISSAN
● Right after inflation, several supple- dealer.
mental side air bag system components equipment and probing devices should
will be hot. Do not touch them; you may not be used on the side air bag system. ● No unauthorized changes should be
severely burn yourself. made to any components or wiring of
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This
● No unauthorized changes should be yellow for easy identification. is to prevent accidental activation of
made to any components or wiring of the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage
the supplemental side air bag system. When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental side air to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation.
This is to prevent accidental inflation of Tampering with the pre-tensioner seat
the side air bag or damage to the side bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri-
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual. belt system may result in serious per-
air bag system. sonal injury.
● Do not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or side panel. This
could affect proper operation of the
side air bag system.



● Work around and on the pre-tensioner cause irritation and choking. Those with a history
system should be done by a NISSAN of a breathing condition should get fresh air
dealer. Installation of electrical equip- promptly.
ment should also be done by a NISSAN If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test system, the supplemental air bag warning
equipment and probing devices should light will flash intermittently after the igni-
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat tion key is turned to the ON or START position. In
belt system. this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not
● If you need to dispose of the pre- function properly. They must be checked and
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner NISSAN dealer.
disposal procedures are set forth in the When selling your vehicle, we request that you
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat belt
Incorrect disposal procedures could system and guide the buyer to the appropriate WRS0136
cause personal injury. sections in this Owner’s Manual.
1. SRS Air Bag Warning Labels
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system 2. SRS Side Air Bag Warning Labels (if
activates in conjunction with the supplemental so equipped)
front air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor,
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the ve-
hicle becomes involved in certain types of colli- WARNING LABELS
sions, thereby restraining seat occupants. Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag and supplemental side air bag (if so
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt’s
equipped) systems are placed in the vehicle as
retractor. These seat belts are used the same as
shown in the illustation.
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


illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns equipped) are designed to inflate on a one-time-
off. This means the system is operational. only basis. As a reminder, unless it is damaged,
the supplemental air bag warning light remains
If any of the following conditions occur, the
illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
and replacement of these supplemental air bag
bag and pre-tensioner seat belt systems need
systems should be done only by a NISSAN
servicing:
dealer.
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
● The supplemental air bag warning light flashes mental side air bags (if so equipped), pre-
intermittently. tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
nance. The ignition key should always be in the
not come on at all.
LRS0100 LOCK position when working under the hood or
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG Under these conditions, the supplemental front inside the vehicle.
air bag, supplemental side air bag or pre-
WARNING LIGHT tensioner seat belt systems may not operate WARNING
The supplemental air bag warning light, properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take ● Once a supplemental front air bag or
displaying in the instrument panel, moni- your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer. supplemental side air bag has inflated,
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air the air bag module will not function
bags, pre-tensioner seat belt and supplemental WARNING again and must be replaced. Addition-
side air bag (if so equipped) systems. The circuits If the supplemental air bag warning light ally, if any of the supplemental front air
monitored by the supplemental air bag warning is on, it could mean that the supplemental bags inflate, the activated pre-
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, crash zone front air bag or supplemental side air bag tensioner seat belts must also be re-
sensor, supplemental air bag modules, pre- system will not operate in an accident. placed. The air bag module and pre-
tensioner seat belts and all related wiring. tensioner seat belt system should be
Repair and replacement procedure replaced by a NISSAN dealer. The air
When the ignition key is in the ON or START bag module and pre-tensioner seat belt
position, the supplemental air bag warning light The supplemental front air bags, pre-tensioner system cannot be repaired.
seat belts and supplemental side air bags (if so


SEAT BELTS

● The supplemental front air bag and
supplemental side air bag systems
should be inspected by a NISSAN
dealer if there is any damage to the
front end or side portion of the vehicle,
or replaced if the supplemental air bag
has inflated.
● If 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 SSS0136
Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury. PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGE
If you are wearing your seat belt properly ad-
justed and you are sitting upright and well back in
your seat, your chances of being injured or killed
in an accident and/or the severity of injury may be
greatly reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages
you and all of your passengers to buckle up every
time you drive, even if your seating position in-
cludes a supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces
or territories specify that seat belts be worn
at all times when a vehicle is being driven.
0



SSS0134 SSS0016

WARNING WARNING
● Every person who drives or rides in this ● The seat belt should be properly ad-
vehicle should use a seat belt at all justed to a snug fit. Failure to do so may
times. Children should be properly re- reduce the effectiveness of the entire
strained in the rear seat and, if appro- restraint system and increase the
priate, in a child restraint. chance or severity of injury in an acci-
dent. Serious injury or death can occur
if the seat belt is not worn properly.



● Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely ● All seat belt assemblies, including re-
fastened to the proper buckle. tractors and attaching hardware,
should be inspected after any collision
● Do not wear the seat belt inside out or
by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recom-
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
mends that all seat belt assemblies in
effectiveness.
use during a collision be replaced un-
● Do not allow more than one person to less the collision was minor and the
use the same seat belt. belts show no damage and continue to
● Never carry more people in the vehicle operate properly. Seat belt assemblies
than there are seat belts. not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
● If the seat belt warning light glows con- damage or improper operation is noted.
tinuously while the ignition is turned
ON with all doors closed and all seat ● All child restraints and attaching hard-
SSS0014 belts fastened, it may indicate a mal- ware should be inspected after any col-
function in the system. Have the system lision. Always follow the restraint
WARNING checked by a NISSAN dealer. manufacturer’s inspection instructions
and replacement recommendations.
● Always route the shoulder belt over ● Once the pre-tensioner seat belt has The child restraints should be replaced
your shoulder and across your chest. activated, it cannot be reused and must if they are damaged.
Never run the belt behind your back, be replaced together with the retractor.
under your arm or across your neck. The See your NISSAN dealer. CHILD SAFETY
belt should be away from your face and
neck, but not falling off your shoulder. ● Removal and installation of the pre- Children need adults to help protect them.
tensioner seat belt system components They need to be properly restrained.
● Position the lap belt as low and snug as should be done by a NISSAN dealer.
possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE The proper restraint depends on the child’s size.
WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could Generally, infants up to about 1 year and less
increase the risk of internal injuries in than 20 pounds (9 kg) should be placed in rear
an accident. facing child restraints. Front facing child re-
straints are available for children who outgrow
rear facing child restraints.


WARNING Infants and small children WARNING
Infants and children need special protec- NISSAN recommends that infants and small chil- Never let a child stand or kneel on any
tion. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit dren be placed in child restraints that comply with seat and do not allow a child in the cargo
them properly. The shoulder belt may Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Ca- areas while the vehicle is moving. The
come too close to the face or neck. The nadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You child could be seriously injured or killed in
lap belt may not fit over their small hip should choose a child restraint that fits your ve- an accident or sudden stop.
bones. In an accident, an improperly fit- hicle and always follow the manufacturer’s in-
ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal structions for installation and use. PREGNANT WOMEN
injury. Always use appropriate child
Larger children NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use
restraints.
seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug,
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri- Children who are too large for child restraints and always position the lap belt as low as pos-
tories require the use of approved child restraints should be seated and restrained by the seat belts sible around the hips, not the waist. Place the
for infants and small children. See “Child Re- which are provided. shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your
straints” later in this section. If the child’s seating position has a shoulder belt chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt over your
that fits close to the face or neck, the use of a abdominal area. Contact your doctor for specific
In addition, there are many types of child re- recommendations.
straints available for larger children which should booster seat (commercially available) may help
be used for maximum protection. overcome this. The booster seat should raise the INJURED PERSONS
child so that the shoulder belt is properly posi-
NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens tioned across the top, middle portion of the NISSAN recommends that injured persons use
and children be restrained in the rear seat. shoulder and the lap belt is low on the hips. The seat belts. Check with your doctor for specific
According to accident statistics, children booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and have recommendations.
are safer when properly restrained in the a label certifying that it complies with Federal
rear seat than in the front seat. This is Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Mo-
especially important because your vehicle tor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once the child has
has a supplemental restraint system (Air grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or near
bag system) for the front passenger. See the face and neck, use the shoulder belt without
“Supplemental restraint system” earlier in the booster seat.
this section.



THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT
WITH RETRACTOR
WARNING
● Every person who drives or rides in this
vehicle should use a seat belt at all
times.
● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident,
you could be thrown into it and receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and WRS0174 WRS0137
receive serious internal injuries. Fastening the seat belts ᭺
2 Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until you
● For the most effective protection when ᭺
1 Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this hear and feel the latch engage.
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should section.
be upright. Always sit well back in the The retractor is designed to lock during a
seat and adjust the seat belt properly. sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion permits the seat belt to move, and
allows you some freedom of movement in
the seat.



emergency locking mode. See “Child restraints”
later in this section for more information.
The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the locking mode should not be acti-
vated. If it is activated it may cause uncom-
fortable seat belt tension.

WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that the seatbacks are completely se-
cured in the latched position. If they are
WRS0138 not completely secured, passengers may WRS0139
be injured in an accident or sudden stop.
᭺3 Position the lap belt portion low and snug Unfastening the seat belts
on the hips as shown.
᭺
1 To unfasten the seat belt, press the button on
᭺
4 Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the the buckle. The seat belt automatically re-
retractor to take up extra slack. Make sure the tracts.
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and is snug across your chest. Checking seat belt operation
The front passenger seat belt and the rear three- Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt
point seat belts have a cinching mechanism for movement by two separate methods:
child restraint installation. It is referred to as the
● When the seat belt is pulled quickly from the
automatic locking mode.
retractor.
When automatic locking mode is activated the
● When the vehicle slows down rapidly.
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the seat
belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully To increase your confidence in the seat belts,
retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in the check the operation as follows.


● Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward
quickly. The retractor should lock and restrict
further belt movement.
If the retractor does not lock during this check or
if you have any questions about seat belt opera-
tion, see a NISSAN dealer.

WRS0140 WRS0141
Center of rear seat Shoulder belt height adjustment (For
Selecting correct set of seat belts: front seats)
The center seat belt buckle is identified by the The shoulder belt anchor height should be ad-
word “CENTER.” The center seat belt tongue can justed to the position best for you. (See “Precau-
be fastened only into the center seat belt buckle. tions on seat belt usage” earlier in this section.)
To adjust, pull out the adjustment button ᭺ and
1
move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired
position ᭺, so the belt passes over the center of
2
the shoulder. The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
Release the adjustment button to lock the shoul-
der belt anchor into position.



CHILD RESTRAINTS

WARNING ● Adults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
● After adjustment, release the adjust- extender. Such unnecessary use could
ment button and try to move the shoul- result in serious personal injury in the
der belt anchor up and down to make event of an accident.
sure it is securely fixed in position.
● Never use seat belt extenders to install
● The shoulder belt anchor height should child restraints. If the child restraint is
be adjusted to the position best for you. not secured properly, the child could be
Failure to do so may reduce the effec- seriously injured in a collision or a sud-
tiveness of the entire restraint system den stop.
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident. SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS ● To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom- ARS1098
If, because of body size or driving position, it is mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet.
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat belts
and fasten it, an extender is available which is to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts RESTRAINTS
compatible with the installed seat belts. The ex- to retract until they are completely dry.
tender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of WARNING
● If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide
length and may be used for either the driver or ● Infants and small children should al-
of the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
front passenger seating position. See a NISSAN ways be placed in an appropriate child
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
dealer for assistance if an extender is required. with a clean, dry cloth. restraint while riding in the vehicle.
Failure to use a child restraint can re-
WARNING ● Periodically check to see that the seat sult in serious injury or death.
belt and the metal components, such as
● Only NISSAN seat belt extenders, made buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires and
by the same company which made the anchors, work properly. If loose parts, deterio-
original equipment seat belts, should ration, cuts or other damage on the webbing is
be used with NISSAN seat belts. found, the entire seat belt assembly should be
replaced.


● Never install a rear-facing child re- ● Choose only a restraint with a label certifying
straint in the front seat. An inflating that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle
supplemental front air bag could seri- Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Ve-
ously injure or kill your child. A rear- hicle Safety Standard 213.
facing child restraint must only be used ● Check the child restraint in your vehicle to be
in the rear seat. sure it is compatible with the vehicle’s seat and
● NISSAN recommends that the child re- seat belt system.
straint be installed in the rear seat. Ac-
cording to accident statistics, children ● If the child restraint is compatible with your
are safer when properly restrained in vehicle, place your child in the child restraint
the rear seat than in the front seat. and check the various adjustments to be sure
the child restraint is compatible with your child.
● An improperly installed child restraint Always follow all recommended procedures.
could lead to serious injury or death in
WRS0256 an accident. All U.S. states and provinces of Canada
require that infants and small children be
WARNING In general, child restraints are designed to be restrained in an approved child restraint at
installed with a lap belt or the lap portion of a all times while the vehicle is being oper-
● Infants and small children should never
three-point type seat belt. In addition, this vehicle
be carried on your lap. It is not possible ated.
is equipped with a universal child restraint lower
for even the strongest adult to resist the
anchor system, referred to as the LATCH (Lower
forces of a severe accident. The child WARNING
Anchors and Tether for Children) system. Some
could be crushed between the adult and
child restraints include two rigid or webbing- ● Improper use of a child restraint can
parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the
mounted attachments that can be connected to increase the risk or severity of injury for
same seat belt around both your child
these lower anchors. For details, see the “LATCH both the child and other occupants of
and yourself.
(Lower Anchors and Tether for Children) system” the vehicle.
later in this section.
Child restraints for infants and small children of
various sizes are offered by several manufactur-
ers. When selecting any child restraint, keep the
following points in mind:


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