Nissan 370Z owner's manual: 1 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

1 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

• Seats ........ 1-2
• Front seats ........ 1-3
• Head restraints ........ 1-5
• Seat belts ........ 1-8
• Precautions on seat belt usage ........ 1-8
• Child safety ........ 1-11
• Pregnant women ........ 1-13
• Injured persons ........ 1-13
• Three-point type seat belt ........ 1-13
• Seat belt extenders ........ 1-16
• Seat belt maintenance ........ 1-16
• Child restraints ........ 1-17
• Precautions on child restraints ........ 1-17 Top tether strap child restraint
• (for Coupe models) ........ 1-19 Child restraint installation using the seat belts
• (for Coupe models) ........ 1-19
• Booster seats ........ 1-23
• Precautions on booster seats ........ 1-23
• Booster seat installation ........ 1-25
• Supplemental restraint system ........ 1-27
• Precautions on supplemental restraint system ........ 1-27 NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System
• (front seats) ........ 1-32 Front seat-mounted side-impact and roof/door- mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air
• bag systems ........ 1-36
• Seat belts with pretensioners (front seats) ........ 1-38
• Supplemental air bag warning labels ........ 1-39
• Supplemental air bag warning light ........ 1-39
• Repair and replacement procedure ........ 1-40

SEATS

Sit upright and well back. SSS0133

WARNING

• 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 receive serious internal injuries.

• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat belt properly. See “PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE” later in this section.

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

• Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

• The seatback should not be reclined any more than needed for comfort. Seat belts are most effective when the passenger sits well back and straight up in the seat. If the seat-back is reclined, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and being injured is increased.

CAUTION

• When adjusting the seat positions, be sure not to contact any moving parts to avoid possible injuries and/or damages.

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FRONT SEATS Front power seat adjustment

Operating tips:

• The power seat motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.
• Do not operate the power seat switch for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

SSS0928

Forward and backward: Moving the switch ① forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Reclining: Move the recline switch ② backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch ② forward.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes for added comfort and to help obtain proper seat belt fit. (See “PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE” later in this section.) The seatback may also be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the P (Park) position or N (Neutral) position with the parking brake fully applied.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-3

SSS0394

Front manual seat adjustment

Forward and backward:

Pull the lever up ① while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Reclining:

To recline the seatback, pull the lever up ② and lean back. To bring the seatback forward again, pull the lever and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes for added comfort and to help obtain proper seat belt fit. See "PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE" later in this section. The seatback may also be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the P (Park) position or N (Neutral) position with the parking brake fully applied.

SPA1715

Seat lifter (if so equipped)

Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

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SSS0684

Lumbar support (if so equipped) The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver.

Move the lever ① up or down to adjust the seatback lumbar area.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

! WARNING

Head restraints supplement the other vehicle safety systems. They may provide additional protection against injury in certain rear end collisions. Adjust the head restraints properly, as specified in this section. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Do not attach anything to the head restraint stalks or remove the head restraint. Do not use the seat if the head restraint has been removed. If the head restraint was removed, reinstall and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position. Failure to follow these instructions can reduce the effectiveness of the head restraints. This may increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

SSS1007

The illustration shows the seating positions equipped with head restraints. The head restraints are adjustable.

▲ Indicates the seating position is equipped with a head restraint.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-5

SSS0992

Components

1. Head restraint
2. Adjustment notches
3. Lock knob
4. Stalks

SSS0997

Adjustment Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears.

SSS0993

To raise the head restraint, pull it up.

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SSS0994

To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

SSS0995

Removal

Use the following procedure to remove the adjustable head restraints.

1. Pull the head restraint up to the highest position.
2. Push and hold the lock knob.
3. Remove the head restraint from the seat.
4. Store the head restraint properly in a secure place so it is not loose in the vehicle.
5. Install and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

CAUTION

Models with climate controlled seats are designed so that the head restraint cannot be removed. The head restraint may be damaged if the head restraint is forcibly pulled out.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-7

SSS0996

Install

1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holes in the seat. Make sure that the head restraint is facing the correct direction. The stalk with the adjustment notches ① must be installed in the hole with the lock knob ②.
2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

SSS0508

The Active Head Restraint moves forward utilizing the force that the seatback receives from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the head restraint helps support the occupant's head by reducing its backward movement and helping absorb some of the forces that may lead to whiplash-type injuries.

Active Head Restraints are effective for collisions at low to medium speeds in which it is said that whiplash injury occurs most.

Active Head Restraints operate only in certain rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head restraints return to their original position.

Adjust the Active Head Restraints properly as described earlier in this section.

SEAT BELTS

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE

If you are wearing your seat belt properly adjusted, and you are sitting upright and well back in your seat with both feet on the floor, 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 includes 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.

1-8 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

SSS0136A

SSS0134A

WARNING

• Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times.
• The seat belt should be properly adjusted to a snug fit. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.
• Always route the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the belt behind your back, under your arm or across your neck. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
• Position the lap belt as low and snug as possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.
• Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely fastened to the proper

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-9

buckle.

• Do not wear the seat belt inside out or twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.
• Do not allow more than one person to use the same seat belt.
• Never carry more people in the vehicle than there are seat belts.
• If the seat belt warning light glows continuously while the ignition is turned ON with all doors closed and all seat belts fastened, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
• No changes should be made to the seat belt system. For example, do not modify the seat belt, add material or install devices that may change the seat belt routing or tension. Doing so may affect the operation of the seat belt system. Modifying or tampering with the seat belt system may result in serious personal injury.
• Once a seat belt pretensioner has activated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. See a NISSAN dealer.

SSS0016

• Removal and installation of the pretensioner system components should be done by a NISSAN dealer.
• All seat belt assemblies, including retractors and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly.

Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

• All child restraints and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Always follow the restraint manufacturer's inspection instructions and replacement recommendations. The child restraints should be replaced if they are damaged.

SSS0014

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CHILD SAFETY

Children need adults to help protect them. They need to be properly restrained.

In addition to the general information in this manual, child safety information is available from many other sources, including doctors, teachers, government traffic safety offices, and community organizations. Every child is different, so be sure to learn the best way to transport your child.

There are three basic types of child restraint systems:

• Rear-facing child restraint
• Front-facing child restraint
• Booster seat

The proper restraint depends on the child's size. Generally, infants (up to about 1 year and less than 20 lb (9 kg)) should be placed in rear-facing child restraints. Front-facing child restraints are available for children who outgrow rear-facing child restraints and are at least 1 year old. Booster seats are used to help position a vehicle lap/shoulder belt on a child who can no longer use a front-facing child restraint.

WARNING

Children need special protection. The vehicle's seat belts may not fit them properly. The shoulder belt may come too close to the face or neck. The lap belt may not fit over their small hip bones. In an accident, an improperly fitting seat belt could cause serious or fatal injury. Always use appropriate child restraints.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories require the use of approved child restraints for infants and small children. (See "CHILD RESTRAINTS" later in this section.)

Also, there are other types of child restraints available for larger children for additional protection.

Infants

Infants up to at least one year old should be placed in a rear-facing child restraint. 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.

Small children (for Coupe models)

Children that are over one year old and weigh at least 20 lb (9 kg) can be placed in a front-facing child restraint. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for minimum and maximum weight and height recommendations. NISSAN recommends that small children be placed in child restraints that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. You should choose a child restraint that fits your vehicle and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use.

Larger children

Children who are too large for child restraints should be seated and restrained by the seat belts which are provided. The seat belt may not fit properly if the child is less than 4 ft 9 in (142.5 cm) tall and weighs between 40 lb (18 kg) and 80 lb (36 kg). A booster seat should be used to obtain proper seat belt fit.

NISSAN recommends that a child be placed in a commercially available booster seat if the shoulder belt in the child's seating position fits close to the face or neck or if the lap portion of the seat belt goes across the abdomen. The booster seat should raise the child so that the shoulder belt is properly positioned across the top, middle portion of the shoulder and the lap belt is low on the hips. A booster seat can only be used in seating positions that have a three-point type seat belt. The booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and have a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once the child has grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or near the face and neck, use the shoulder belt without the booster seat.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-11

WARNING Never let a child stand or kneel on any seat and do not allow a child in the cargo areas while the vehicle is moving. The child could be seriously injured or killed in an accident or sudden stop.

SSS0927

For Roadster models

WARNING

• Do not let infants and small children ride in Roadster models.
• Roadster models are not designed to accommodate Rear-facing child restraints or Front-facing child restraints.
• If you let infants or small children ride in Roadster models, they may be killed or seriously injured in a crash.

There are three basic types of child restraint systems:

• Rear-facing child restraint (should not be installed in Roadster models)
• Front-facing child restraint (should not be installed in Roadster models)
• Booster seat (only children large enough for booster seats can ride in Roadster models)

WARNING

• Never let an infant or a small child who requires the use of a rear or

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front-facing child restraint ride in this vehicle. Do not attempt to hold a child in your lap or arms.

• Roadster models do not have an anchor for a top tether strap required for most child restraints. Never let children who require the use of rear or front-facing child restraints ride in this vehicle.
• Larger children need special protection. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit them properly. The shoulder belt may come too close to the face or neck. The lap belt may not fit over their small hip bones. In an accident, an improperly fitting seat belt could cause serious or fatal injury. Always use appropriate child restraints.

PREGNANT WOMEN NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug, and always position the lap belt as low as possible around the hips, not the waist, and place the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt over your abdominal area. Contact your doctor for specific recommendations.

INJURED PERSONS NISSAN recommends that injured persons use seat belts, depending on the injury. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT

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 receive serious internal injuries.
• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat belt properly.

SSS0292

Fastening the seat belts

1. Adjust the seat. (See “SEATS” earlier in this section.)
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the tongue into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage.

• The retractor is designed to lock during a sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling motion permits the belt to move, and allows you some freedom of movement in the seat.
• If the seat belt cannot be pulled from its fully retracted position, firmly pull the belt and release it.

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-13

Then smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

3. Position the lap belt portion low and snug on the hips as shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder and across your chest.

The three-point type seat belts have two modes of operation:

• Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
• Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode allows the seat belt to extend and retract to allow the driver and passengers some freedom of movement in the seat. The ELR locks the seat belt when the vehicle slows down rapidly or during impacts.

The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode (child restraint mode) locks the seat belt for child restraint installation.

Pull the seat belt out until it is fully extended to activate the ALR mode. Detach the seat belt tongue from the buckle and retract the seat belt completely to cancel the ALR mode and revert back to the ELR mode.

When the ALR mode is activated the seat belt cannot be extended again until the seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully retracted. For additional information, see "CHILD RESTRAINTS" later in this section.

The ALR mode should be used only for child restraint installation. During normal seat belt use by an occupant, the ALR mode should not be activated. If it is activated it may cause uncomfortable seat belt tension.

WARNING

When fastening the seat belts, be certain that seatbacks are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers

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may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

SSS0326

restrict further belt movement.

If the retractor does not lock during this check or if you have any question about seat belt operation, see a NISSAN dealer.

Unfastening the seat belts To unfasten the seat belt, push the button on the buckle. The seat belt automatically retracts.

Checking seat belt operation Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt movement by two separate methods:

• When the belt is pulled quickly from the retractor.
• When the vehicle slows down rapidly.

To increase your confidence in the seat belts, check the operation as follows:

• Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and

Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-15

SSS0588

Shoulder belt arm (for Coupe models) Before fastening the seat belt, pull the shoulder belt arm forward until it clicks at the detent position.

Pulling the arm forward will allow an easy access to the belt.

SEAT BELT EXTENDERS If, because of body size or driving position, it is not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender that is compatible with the installed seat belts is available that can be purchased. The extender adds approximately 8 in (200 mm) of length and may be used for either the driver or front passenger seating position.

See a NISSAN dealer for assistance with purchasing an extender if an extender is required.

WARNING

• Only NISSAN seat belt extenders, made by the same company which made the original equipment seat belts, should be used with the NISSAN seat belts.
• Adults and children who can use the standard seat belt should not use an extender. Such unnecessary use could result in serious personal injury in the event of an accident.
• Never use seat belt extenders to install child restraints. If the child restraint is not secured properly, the child could be seriously injured in a collision or a sudden stop.

SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE

• To clean the seat belt webbings, apply a mild soap solution or any solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Then, wipe with a cloth and allow the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts to retract until they are completely dry.
• If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
• Periodically check to see that the seat belt and the metal components such as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires and anchors work properly. If loose parts, deterioration, cuts or other damage on the webbing is found, the entire seat belt assembly should be replaced.

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