Nissan 370Z owner's manual: Child restraints

CHILD RESTRAINTS

SSS0099

SSS0100

PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD RESTRAINTS

WARNING

• Infants and small children should always be placed in an appropriate child restraint while riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a child restraint can result in serious injury or death.

• Children should always be placed in an appropriate child restraint while riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a child restraint can result in serious injury or death.

• Children should never be carried on your lap. It is not possible for even the strongest adult to resist the forces of a severe accident. The child could be crushed between the adult and parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the same seat belt around both your child and yourself.

• Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental front air bag could seriously injure or kill your child.

• Improper use or improper installation of a child restraint can increase the risk or severity of injury for both the child and other occupants of the vehicle and can lead to serious injury or death in an accident.

• Roadster models are not equipped with upper tether anchors. Do not install a child restraint system in Roadster models.

• Follow all of the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure to select one which will fit your child and vehicle. It may not be possible to properly install some types of child restraints in your vehicle.

• If the child restraint is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision or a sudden stop greatly increases.

• Child restraint anchor points are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult

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seat belts or harnesses.

• Adjustable seatbacks should be positioned to fit the child restraint, but as upright as possible.
• After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the seat by the seat belt path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm) from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the belt holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, tighten the belt as necessary, or put the restraint in another seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.
• When your child restraint is not in use, keep it secured with a seat belt to prevent it from being thrown around in case of a sudden stop or accident.

CAUTION

Remember that a child restraint left in a closed vehicle can become very hot. Check the seating surface and buckles before placing your child in the child restraint.

In general, child restraints are designed to be installed with the lap portion of a lap/shoulder seat belt.

Several manufacturers offer child restraints for children of various sizes. When selecting any child restraint, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose only a restraint with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
• Check the child restraint in your vehicle to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's seat and seat belt system.
• If the child restraint is compatible with your vehicle, place your child in the child restraint and check the various adjustments to be sure the child restraint is compatible with your child. Choose a child restraint that is designed for your child's height and weight. Always follow all recommended procedures.

The passenger seat is not suitable for use with a rear-facing child restraint for infants. Therefore, infants should not be transported in this vehicle.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint at all times while the vehicle is being operated. Canadian law requires the top tether strap on front-facing child restraints to be secured to the designated anchor point on the vehicle.

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SSS0929

TOP TETHER STRAP CHILD RE- STRAINT (for Coupe models)

If the manufacturer of your child restraint requires the use of a top tether strap, it must be secured to an anchor point.

WARNING

• The child restraint anchor point is designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances is it to be used for adult seat belts or harnesses.

• Do not allow cargo to contact the top tether strap when it is attached to the top tether anchor. Properly secure the cargo so it does not contact the top tether strap. Cargo that is not properly secured or that contacts the top tether strap may damage the top tether strap during a collision. Your child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision if the child restraint top tether strap is damaged.

Top tether anchor point location

The Anchor point is located on the floor of the cargo area.

Installing top tether strap

First, secure the child restraint with the seat belt.

Flip down the flap marked with a label as shown in the illustration. Position the top tether strap over the top of the seatback and secure it to the tether anchor bracket that provides the straightest installation. Tighten the strap according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove any slack.

If you have any questions when installing a top tether strap child restraint, consult your NISSAN dealer for details.

SSS0100

CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION USING THE SEAT BELTS (for Coupe models)

WARNING

• Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Supplemental front air bags inflate with great force. A rear-facing child restraint could be struck by the supplemental front air bag in a crash and could seriously injure or kill your child.

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• The three-point seat belt in your vehicle is equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) which must be used when installing a child restraint.
• Failure to use the ALR will result in the child restraint not being properly secured. The restraint could tip over or otherwise be unsecured and cause injury to the child in a sudden stop or collision.

The instructions in this section apply to child restraint installation using the vehicle seat belts in the front passenger seat.

SSS0640 Front-facing (front passenger seat) — step 1

Front-facing

Follow these steps to install a front-facing child restraint using the vehicle seat belt in the front passenger seat:

1. If you must install a child restraint in the front seat, it should be placed in a front-facing direction only. Move the seat to the rearmost position. Child restraints for infants must be used in the rear-facing direction and therefore must not be used in this vehicle.
2. Position the child restraint on the seat. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

The back of the child restraint should be secured against the seatback.

If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint to obtain the correct child restraint fit. (See “HEAD RESTRAINTS” earlier in this section.)

If the head restraint is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to install the head restraint when the child restraint is removed.

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SSS0360B Front-facing — step 3 3. Route the seat belt tongue through the child restraint and insert it into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage. Be sure to follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for belt routing.

SSS0651 Front-facing — step 4 4. Pull the shoulder belt until the belt is fully extended. At this time, the seat belt retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode (child restraint mode). It reverts to Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode when the seat belt is fully retracted.

SSS0652 Front-facing — step 5 5. Allow the seat belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in the belt.

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SSS0653 Front-facing — step 6 6. Remove any additional slack from the seat belt; press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while pulling up on the seat belt.

7. If the child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, route the top tether strap and secure the tether strap to the tether anchor point. (See “TOP TETHER STRAP CHILD RESTRAINT (for Coupe models)” earlier in this section.)

SSS0641 Front-facing — step 8 8. After attaching the child restraint, test it before you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the seat near the seat belt path. The child restraint should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm) from side to side. Try to tug it forward and check to see if the belt holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, you may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.

9. Check that the retractor is in the ALR 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 ALR mode.

10. 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 8.

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BOOSTER SEATS

SSS0988

Front-facing — step 11

11. If the child restraint is installed in the front passenger seat, push the ignition switch to the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light OFF should illuminate. If this light is not illuminated, see "Front passenger air bag and status light" later in this section. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

After the child restraint is removed and the seat belt is fully retracted, the ALR mode (child restraint mode) is canceled.

SSS0099

PRECAUTIONS ON BOOSTER SEATS

! WARNING

• Children should always be placed in an appropriate child restraint while riding in the vehicle. A child restraint that requires a top tether strap for installation should not be used in Roadster models. Failure to use a child restraint or booster seat can result in serious injury or death.

• Children should never be carried on your lap. It is not possible for even the strongest adult to resist the forces of a severe accident. The child could be crushed between the adult and parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the same seat belt around both your child and yourself.

• A booster seat must only be installed in a seating position that has a lap/shoulder belt. Failure to use a three-point type seat belt with a booster seat can result in a serious injury in sudden stop or collision.

• Improper use or improper installation of a booster seat can increase the risk or severity of injury for both the child and other occupants of the vehicle and can lead to serious injury or death in an accident.

• A child restraint that requires a top tether strap for installation should not be used in Roadster models. Roadster models are not equipped with upper tether anchors.

• Do not use towels, books, pillows or other items in place of a booster seat. Items such as these may move during normal driving or a collision and result in serious injury or death. Booster seats are designed to be

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-23

used with a lap/shoulder belt. Booster seats are designed to properly route the lap and shoulder portions of the seat belt over the strongest portions of a child’s body to provide the maximum protection during a collision.

• Follow all of the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. When purchasing a booster seat, be sure to select one which will fit your child and vehicle. It may not be possible to properly install some types of booster seats in your vehicle.

• If the booster seat and seat belt is not used properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision or a sudden stop greatly increases.

• Adjustable seatbacks should be positioned to fit the booster seat, but as up- right as possible.

• After placing the child in the booster seat and fastening the seat belt, make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is away from the child’s face and neck and the lap portion of the belt does not cross the abdomen.

• Do not put the shoulder belt behind the child or under the child’s arm. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, see “BOOSTER SEAT INSTALLATION” later in this section.

• When your booster seat is not in use, keep it secured with a seat belt to prevent it from being thrown around in case of a sudden stop or accident.

CAUTION

Remember that a booster seat left in a closed vehicle can become very hot. Check the seating surface and buckles before placing your child in the booster seat.

LRS0455

Booster seats of various sizes are offered by several manufacturers. When selecting any booster seat, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose only a booster seat with a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

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SSS0363

LRS0454

BOOSTER SEAT INSTALLATION

CAUTION

Do not use the lap/shoulder belt Automatic Locking Retractor mode when using a booster seat with the seat belts.

Follow these steps to install a booster seat in the front passenger seat:

• Check the booster seat in your vehicle to be sure it is compatible with the vehicle’s seat and seat belt system.

• Make sure the child’s head will be properly supported by the booster seat or vehicle seat. The seatback must be at or above the center of the child’s ears. For example, if a low back booster seat ① is chosen, the vehicle seatback must be at or above the center of the child’s ears. If the seatback is lower than the center of the child’s ears, a high back booster seat ② should be used.

• If the booster seat is compatible with your vehicle, place your child in the booster seat and check the various adjustments to be sure the booster seat is compatible with your child. Always follow all recommended procedures.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint at all times while the vehicle is being operated.

The instructions in this section apply to booster seat installation in the front passenger seat.

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SSS0640

1. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, adjust the seatback so that it is upright and then move the seat to the rearmost position. Do not move the seat with the booster seat attached to it.

2. Position the booster seat on the seat. Only place it in a front-facing direction. Always follow the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions.

LRS0454

3. The booster seat should be positioned on the vehicle seat so that it is stable. If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint to obtain the correct booster seat fit. (See “HEAD RESTRAINTS” earlier in this section.) If the head restraint is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head restraint when the booster seat is removed.

4. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low and snug on the child’s hips. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the belt routing.

5. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt toward the retractor to take up extra slack.

Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the top, middle portion of the child’s shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the belt routing.

6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instructions for properly fastening a seat belt shown in the “THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT” earlier in this section.

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SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

SSS0988

7. If the booster seat is installed in the front passenger seat, push the ignition switch to the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light OFF may or may not illuminate depending on the size of the child and the type of booster seat used. (See "Front passenger air bag and status light" later in this section.)

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger front impact supplemental air bags (NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag system, roof-mounted (Coupe models) or door-mounted (Roadster models) curtain side-impact supplemental air bag and seat belt with pretensioners.

Supplemental front-impact air bag system: The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System can help cushion the impact force to the head and chest of the driver and front passenger in certain frontal collisions.

Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the chest and pelvis area of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions. The front seat side-impact supplemental air bags are designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag system (for Coupe models): This system can help cushion the impact force to the head of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions. The curtain air bags are designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

Door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag system (for Roadster models): This system can help cushion the impact force to the heads of occupants in front seating positions during certain side impact collisions. The curtain air bags are designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

These supplemental restraint systems are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by the driver and passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the occupant seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel and door finishers. (See "SEAT BELTS" earlier in this section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.)

The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

After pushing the ignition switch 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 systems are operational.

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SSS0131B

SSS0132B

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⚠ WARNING

• The front air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, rollover, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.
• The front passenger air bag will not inflate if the passenger air bag status light is lit or if the front passenger seat is unoccupied. See "Front passenger air bag and status light" later in this section.
• The seat belts and the front air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor. The front air bags inflate with great force. Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, if you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash. 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.

• The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles are equipped with sensors that detect if the seat belts are fastened. The Advanced Air Bag System monitors the severity of a collision and seat belt usage then inflates the air bags. Failure to properly wear seat belts can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident.
• The front passenger seat is equipped with an occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor) that turns the front passenger air bag OFF under some conditions. This sensor is only used in this seat. Failure to be properly seated and wearing the seat belt can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. See "Front passenger air bag and status light" later in this section.
• Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk of injury if the supplemental front air bag inflates.

SSS0007

SSS0006

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SSS0008 SSS0099 SSS0009 SSS0100

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.
• Children may be severely injured or killed when the front air bags, side air bags or curtain air bags inflate if they are not properly restrained.
• Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An inflating front air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. See “CHILD RESTRAINTS” earlier in this section for details.

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SSS0059A

SSS0159

ways wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

• The seat belts, side air bags and curtain air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The side air bag and curtain air bag inflate 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 or near the side roof rails (Coupe models)/door trim (Roadster models). Do not allow anyone sitting in the front seats to extend their hand out of the window or lean against the door. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the previous illustrations.
• Do not use seat covers on the front seatbacks. They may interfere with supplemental side air bag inflation.

SSS0162

WARNING

Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted (Coupe models) or door-mounted (Roadster models) curtain side-impact supplemental air bags:

• The front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted (Coupe models) or door-mounted (Roadster models) curtain air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact, rollover or lower severity side collision. Al-

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SSS1012

1. Crash zone sensor
2. Supplemental front air bag modules (NISSAN Advanced Air Bags)
3. Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (for Coupe models)
4. Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag inflators (for Coupe models)
5. Door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag inflators (for Roadster models)
6. Door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (for Roadster models)
7. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
8. Occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor)
9. Occupant classification system control unit
10. Air bag Control Unit (ACU)
11. Satellite sensors
12. Seat belt with pretensioner

NISSAN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM (front seats)

This vehicle is equipped with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System for the driver and front passenger seats. This system is designed to meet certification requirements under U.S. regulations. It is also permitted in Canada. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed.

The driver supplemental front-impact air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel. The front passenger supplemental front-impact air bag is mounted in the instrument panel above the glove box. The front air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although they may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. They may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper front air bag operation.

The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System has dual stage air bag inflators. The system monitors information from the crash zone sensor, the Air bag Control Unit (ACU), seat belt buckle

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switches and the occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor). Inflator operation is based on the severity of a collision and seat belt usage for the driver. For the front passenger, the occupant classification sensor is also monitored. Based on information from the sensors, only one front air bag may inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted. Additionally, the front passenger air bag may be automatically turned OFF under some conditions, depending on the information provided by the occupant classification sensor. If the front passenger air bag is OFF, the passenger air bag status light will be illuminated (if the seat is unoccupied, the light will not be illuminated, but the air bag will be off). (See “Front passenger air bag and status light” later in this section for further details.) One front air bag inflating does not indicate improper performance of the system.

If you have any questions about your air bag system, contact a NISSAN dealer. If you are considering modification of your vehicle due to a disability, you may also contact a NISSAN dealer. Contact information is contained in the front of this Owner’s Manual.

When a front air bag inflates, 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.

Front air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the head 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.

Even with NISSAN advanced air bags, seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or instrument panel. The front air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants. 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 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 position.

After pushing the ignition switch 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.

SSS0988 Front passenger air bag status light Front passenger air bag and status light

WARNING

The front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn OFF under some conditions. Read this section carefully to learn how it operates. Proper use of the seat, seat belt and child restraints is necessary for most effective protection. Failure to follow all instructions in this manual concerning the use of seats, seat belts and child restraints can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident.

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Status light:

The front passenger air bag status light [icon] OFF is located above the ashtray. The light operates as follows:

• Unoccupied passenger seat: The [icon] OFF is OFF and the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.
• Passenger seat occupied by a small adult, child or child restraint as outlined in this section: The [icon] OFF illuminates to indicate that the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.
• Occupied passenger seat and the passenger meets the conditions outlined in this section: The light [icon] OFF is OFF to indicate that the front passenger air bag is operational.

Front passenger air bag:

The front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn OFF when the vehicle is operated under some conditions as described below as permitted by U.S. regulations. If the front passenger air bag is OFF, it will not inflate in a crash. The driver air bag and other air bags in your vehicle are not part of this system.

The purpose of the regulation is to help reduce the risk of injury or death from an inflating air bag to certain front passenger seat occupants, such as children, by requiring the air bag to be automatically turned OFF.

The occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor) is in the front passenger seat cushion and is designed to detect an occupant and objects on the seat. For example, if a child is in the front passenger seat, the Advanced Air Bag System is designed to turn the passenger air bag OFF in accordance with the regulations. Also, if a child restraint of the type specified in the regulations is on the seat, the occupant classification sensor can detect it and cause the air bag to turn OFF.

Front passenger seat adult occupants who are properly seated and using the seat belt as outlined in this manual should not cause the passenger air bag to be automatically turned OFF. For small adults it may be turned OFF, however, if the occupant does not sit in the seat properly (for example, by not sitting upright, by sitting on an edge of the seat, or by otherwise being out of position), this could cause the sensor to turn the air bag OFF. Always be sure to be seated and wearing the seat belt properly for the most effective protection by the seat belt and supplemental air bag.

The occupant classification sensor is designed to operate as described above to turn the front passenger air bag OFF for specified child restraints. Failing to properly secure child restraints and to use the ALR mode (child restraint mode) may allow the restraint to tip or move in an accident or sudden stop. This can also result in the passenger air bag inflating in a crash instead of being OFF. (See "CHILD RESTRAINTS" earlier in this section for proper use and installation.)

If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the passenger air bag is designed not to inflate in a crash. However, heavy objects placed on the seat could result in air bag inflation, because of the object being detected by the occupant classification sensor. Other conditions could also result in air bag inflation, such as if a child is standing on the seat, or if two children are on the seat, contrary to the instructions in this manual. Always be sure that you and all vehicle occupants are seated and restrained properly.

Using the passenger air bag status light, you can monitor when the front passenger air bag is automatically turned OFF with the seat occupied. The light will not illuminate when the front passenger seat is unoccupied.

If an adult occupant is in the seat but the passenger air bag status light is illuminated (indicating that the air bag is OFF), it could be that the person is a small adult, or is not sitting on the seat properly.

If a child restraint must be used in the front seat, the passenger air bag status light may or may not be illuminated, depending on the size of the

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child and the type of child restraint being used. If the passenger air bag status light is not illuminated (indicating that the air bag might inflate in a crash), it could be that the child restraint or seat belt is not being used properly. Make sure that the child restraint is installed properly, the seat belt is used properly and the occupant is positioned properly. If the passenger air bag status light is still not illuminated, try a different child restraint.

If the passenger air bag status light will not illuminate even though you believe that the child restraint, the seat belts and the occupant are properly positioned, the system may be sensing an unoccupied seat (in which case the air bag is OFF). Your NISSAN dealer can check that the system is OFF by using a special tool. However, until you have confirmed with your dealer that your air bag is working properly, do not transport a child in this vehicle.

The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System and passenger air bag status light will take a few seconds to register a change in the passenger seat status. However, if the seat becomes unoccupied, the air bag status light will remain off.

If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air bag system, the supplemental air bag warning light , located in the meter and gauges area will blink. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Other supplemental front-impact air bag precautions

WARNING

• Do not place any objects on the steering wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the front air bag inflates.
• Do not place objects with sharp edges on the seat. Also, do not place heavy objects on the seat that will leave permanent impressions in the seat. Such objects can damage the seat or occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor). This can affect the operation of the air bag system and result in serious personal injury.
• Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the seat or occupant classification sensor. This can also affect the operation of the air bag system and result in serious personal injury.
• Immediately after inflation, several front air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.
• No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental air bag or damage to the supplemental air bag system.
• Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or front end structure. This could affect proper operation of the front air bag system.
• Tampering with the 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.
• Modifying or tampering with the front passenger seat may result in

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serious personal injury. For example, do not change the front seats by placing material on the seat cushion or by installing additional trim material, such as seat covers, on the seat that is not specifically designed to assure proper air bag operation. Additionally, do not stow any objects under the front passenger seat or the seat cushion and seatback. Such objects may interfere with the proper operation of the occupant classification sensor.

• No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the seat belt system. This may affect the front air bag system. Tampering with the seat belt system may result in serious personal injury.

• Work on and around the front air bag system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the air bag system.

• A cracked windshield should be replaced immediately by a qualified repair facility. A cracked windshield could affect the function of the supplemental 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 front air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.

SSS0982

FRONT SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE-IMPACT AND ROOF/DOOR-MOUNTED CURTAIN SIDE-IMPACT SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG SYSTEMS

The side air bags are located in the outside of the seatback of the front seats. The curtain air bags are located in the side roof rails (Coupe) or upper side of the door trim (Roadster). These systems are designed to meet voluntary guidelines to help reduce the risk of injury to out-of-position occupants. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed. The side air bags and curtain air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity side collisions, although they may inflate if the forces

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in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity side impact. They are designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted. They may not inflate in certain side collisions on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag operation.

When side air bags and curtain 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.

Side air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the chest and pelvis of the front occupants. Curtain air bags help to cushion the impact force to the head of occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating side air bags and curtain air bags may cause abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags and curtain air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body.

The seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the side air bag, and seated as far away as practical from the door finishers and side roof rails. The side air bags and curtain air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the out-of-position occupants. Because of this, the force of the side air bags and curtain air bags 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 bags and curtain air bags will deflate quickly after the collision is over.

The side air bags and curtain air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

After pushing the ignition switch to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the systems are operational.

WARNING

• Do not place any objects near the seatback 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 a side air bag inflates.

• Right after inflation, several side air bags and curtain air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

• No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of side air bag and curtain air bag systems. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the side air bag and curtain air bag or damage to side air bag and curtain air bag systems.

• Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or side panel. This could affect proper operation of the side air bag and curtain air bag systems.

• Tampering with the air bag system may result in serious personal injury. For example, do not change the front seats by placing material near the seatback or by installing additional trim material, such as seat covers, around the side air bags.

• Work around and on the side air bag and curtain air bag systems 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 disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the side-impact 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 side air bag and curtain air bag systems and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.

SEAT BELTS WITH PRETENSIONERS (front seats)

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WARNING

• The pretensioners cannot be reused after activation. They must be replaced together with the retractor and buckle as a unit.

• If the vehicle becomes involved in a frontal collision but a pretensioner is not activated, be sure to have the pretensioner system checked and, if necessary, replaced by a NISSAN dealer.

• No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the pretensioner system. This is to prevent damage to or accidental activation of the pretensioners. Tampering with the pretensioner system may result in serious personal injury.

• Work around and on the pretensioner system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the pretensioner system.

• If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pretensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury.

The pretensioner system activates in conjunction with the front air bag system. Working with the seat belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle becomes involved in certain types of collisions, helping to restrain front seat occupants.

The pretensioner is encased with the seat belt retractor. These seat belts are used the same way as conventional seat belts.

When a pretensioner seat belt activates, smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard. The smoke is not harmful, and it 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.

After pretensioner activation, load limiters allow the seat belt to release webbing (if necessary) to reduce forces against the chest.

If any abnormality occurs in the pretensioner system, the supplemental air bag warning light will not come on, will flash intermittently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on after the ignition switch has been pushed to the ON position. In this case, the pretensioner system 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 seat belt pretensioners and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.

SSS1016

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LABELS

Warning labels about the supplemental front-impact air bag are placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.

① SRS air bag

The warning labels are located on the surface of the sun visors.

SPA1097

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT

The supplemental air bag warning light, displaying in the instrument panel, monitors the circuits of the supplemental front-impact air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag, roof-mounted (Coupe models) or door-mounted (Roadster models) curtain side-impact supplemental air bag, and seat belt pretensioner systems. The monitored circuits include the Air bag Control Unit (ACU), satellite sensors, crash zone sensor, occupant classification system, front air bag modules, side air bag modules, curtain air bag modules, pretensioners and all related wiring.

When the ignition switch is in the ON 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 front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and pretensioner systems need servicing:

• The supplemental air bag warning light remains on approximately 7 seconds after the ignition switch is pushed to the ON position.
• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
• The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.

Under these conditions, the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag or pretensioner systems may not operate properly. They 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 front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and/or pretensioner systems will not operate in an accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have your

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vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags and pretensioners are designed to activate on a one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light will remain illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair and replacement of these systems should be done only by a NISSAN dealer.

When maintenance work is required on the vehicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags, pretensioners and related parts should be pointed out to the person conducting the maintenance. The ignition switch should always be in the LOCK position when working under the hood or inside the vehicle.

WARNING

• Once a front air bag, side air bag, or curtain air bag has inflated, the air bag module will not function again and must be replaced. Additionally, if any of the front air bags inflate, the activated pretensioner must also be replaced. The air bag module and pretensioner system should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer. The air bag module and pretensioner system cannot be repaired.

• The front air bag, side air bag and curtain air bag systems and the pretensioner system should be inspected by a NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to the front end or side portion of the vehicle.

• If you need to dispose of the supplemental air bag or pretensioner systems or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Correct supplemental air bag and seat belt pretensioner system disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury.

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MEMO

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