Download PDF Manual

WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.


● Once a seat belt pretensioner has acti- vated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.


● Removal and installation of preten- sioner system components should be done by a NISSAN dealer.


and


attaching


● All seat belt assemblies, including re- tractors hardware, should be inspected after any collision by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recom- mends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced un- less the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. ● All child restraints and attaching hard- ware should be inspected after any col- lision. Always follow the restraint manufacturer’s inspection instructions and replacement recommendations. The child restraints should be replaced if they are damaged.


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


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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 lbs (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


Infants and children need special protec- tion. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit them properly. The shoulder belt may come too close to the face or neck. The lap belt may not fit over their small hip bones. In an accident, an improperly fit- ting seat belt could cause serious or fatal injury. Always use appropriate child restraints.


All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or terri- tories require the use of approved child restraints for infants and small children. See “Child Re- straints” later in this section.


Also, there are other types of child restraints available for larger children for additional protec- tion. NISSAN recommends that all pre-teens and children be restrained in the rear seat. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat.


This is especially important because your vehicle has a supplemental restraint sys- tem (Air bag system) for the front passen- ger. See “Supplemental restraint system” later in this section.


Infants Infants up to at least 1 year old should be placed in a rear-facing child restraint. NISSAN recom- mends that infants 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 manu- facturer’s instructions for installation and use. Small children Children that are over one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg) can be placed in a forward- facing child restraint. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for minimum and maximum weight and height recommendations. NISSAN recom- mends 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 lbs (18 kg) and


1-16 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


80 lbs (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 shoul- der 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 por- tion 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 Fed- eral 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.


WARNING


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


PREGNANT WOMEN NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snug and always position the lap belt as low as possible around the hips, not the waist. Place the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never run the lap/shoulder belt over your ab- dominal area. Contact your doctor for specific recommendations. INJURED PERSONS NISSAN recommends that injured persons use seat belts. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations. 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 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.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-17


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WRS0738


Manual front seat shown


Fastening the seat belts 1. Adjust the seat. See “Seats” earlier in this


section.


LRS0594
䊊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 seat 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. Then smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.


LRS0595
䊊3 Position the lap belt portion low and snug


on the hips as shown.


䊊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 front passenger seat and the rear seating positions three-point seat belts have two modes of operation: ● Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ● Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)


1-18 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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 re- strict 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.


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 certain impacts. The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode (child restraint mode) locks the seat belt for child restraint installation. 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. The seat belt returns to the ELR mode after the seat belt fully retracts. See “Child re- straints” later in this section for more information. 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 ten- sion.


WARNING


When fastening the seat belts, be certain that the seatbacks are completely se- cured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.


WRS0139


Unfastening the seat belts 䊊1 To unfasten the seat belt, press the button on the buckle. The seat belt automatically re- tracts.


Checking seat belt operation Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt movement by two separate methods: ● When the seat belt is pulled quickly from the


retractor.


● When the vehicle slows down rapidly.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-19


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


The shoulder belt comfort assist arm can be adjusted to the position best for you. (See “Pre- cautions on seat belt usage” earlier in this sec- tion.) To adjust, move the arm up as indicated.


WARNING


● After adjustment, release the adjust- ment button and try to move the shoul- der belt anchor up and down to make sure it is securely fixed in position.


● The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best for you. Failure to do so may reduce the effec- tiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident.


LRS0242


Shoulder belt height adjustment (Sedan, front seats) The shoulder belt anchor height should be ad- justed to the position best for you. (See “Precau- tions on seat belt usage” earlier in this section.) To adjust, pull out the adjustment button 䊊1 and move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired position 䊊2 , so the belt passes over the center of 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.


LRS0821


Shoulder belt guide (Coupe) The shoulder arm can be adjusted to allow easier access to the shoulder belt. The arm can also be folded down to allow rear seat passengers easier access. 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 is available which is compatible with the installed seat belts. The ex- tender 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 if an extender is required.


1-20 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WARNING


● Only NISSAN seat belt extenders, made by the same company which made the original equipment seat belts, should be used with 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 sud- den stop.


SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE ● To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a mild soap solution or any solution recom- mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet. 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.


CHILD RESTRAINTS


● 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 as- sembly should be replaced.


PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD RESTRAINTS


ARS1098


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-21


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An in- flating front air bag could seriously in- jure or kill your child. A rear-facing child restraint must only be used in the rear seat.


● NISSAN recommends that the child re- straint be installed in the rear seat. Ac- cording to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If you must install a front-facing child re- straint in the front seat, see “Child re- straint installation using the seat belts” later in this section.


● 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.


● Follow all of the child restraint manu- facturer’s instructions for installation and use. When purchasing a child re- straint, 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 in- jured in a collision or a sudden stop greatly increases.


● Child restraint anchor points are de- signed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child re- straints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts or harnesses.


● Adjustable seatbacks should be posi- tioned 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 near the LATCH attachment or 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 re- straint is not secure, tighten the belt as necessary, or put the restraint in an- other seat and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint. Not all child restraints fit in all types of vehicles.


WRS0256


WARNING


● Infants and small children should al- ways be placed in an appropriate child restraint while riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a child restraint can re- sult in serious injury or death.


● Infants and small 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.


1-22 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● When your child restraint is not in use, keep it secured with the LATCH system or 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.


This vehicle is equipped with a universal child restraint lower anchor system, referred to as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHil- dren) system. Some child restraints include two rigid or webbing-mounted attachments that can be connected to these lower anchors. For details, see “LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system” later in this section.


If you do not have a LATCH compatible child restraint, the vehicle seat belts can be used. See “Child restraint installation using the seat belts” later in this section. In general, child restraints are also designed to be installed with a lap/shoulder seat belt.


Several manufacturers offer child restraints for infants and small 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. 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 re- straints be secured to the designated an- chor point on the vehicle.


WRS0795


LATCH system anchor locations


LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) SYSTEM Your vehicle is equipped with special anchor points that are used with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system compatible child restraints. This system may also be referred to as the ISOFIX or ISOFIX compatible system. With this system, you do not have to use a vehicle seat belt to secure the child restraint.


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


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


The LATCH anchor points are provided to install child restraints in the rear outboard seating posi- tions only. Do not attempt to install a child re- straint in the center position using the LATCH anchors.


WRS0796


WRS0829


LATCH lower anchor location


LATCH lower anchor point locations The LATCH anchors are located at the rear of the seat cushion near the seatback. A label is at- tached to the seatback to help you locate the LATCH anchors.


WARNING


● Attach LATCH system compatible child restraints only at the locations shown. If a child restraint is not secured properly, your child could be seriously injured or killed in an accident.


(if so equipped)


● Do not secure a child restraint in the center rear seating position using the LATCH anchors. The child restraint will not be secured properly.


● Child restraint anchor points are de- signed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child re- straints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts or harnesses.


1-24 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


TOP TETHER STRAP CHILD RESTRAINT If the manufacturer of your child restraint requires the use of a top tether strap, it must be secured to the anchor point.


WARNING


● Child restraint anchor points are de- signed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child re- straints. Under no circumstances are they 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 cargo that contacts the top tether strap may damage it during a collision. Your child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision if the top tether strap is damaged.


LATCH webbing-mounted attachment


LATCH rigid-mounted attachment


LRS0661


LRS0662


Installing child restraint LATCH anchor attachments LATCH compatible child restraints include two rigid or webbing-mounted attachments that can be connected to two anchors located at certain seating positions in your vehicle. With this sys- tem, you do not have to use a vehicle seat belt to secure the child restraint. Check your child re- straint for a label stating that it is compatible with LATCH. This information may also be in the in- structions provided by the child restraint manu- facturer.


LATCH child restraints generally require the use of a top tether strap. See “Top tether strap child restraint” later in this section for installation in- structions. When installing a child restraint, carefully read and follow the instructions in this manual and those supplied with the child restraint. See “Child restraint installation using LATCH” later in this section.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-25


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


4. Tighten the tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove any slack.


If you have any questions when installing a top tether strap child restraint on the rear seat, consult your NISSAN dealer for de- tails. CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION USING LATCH


WARNING


● Attach LATCH system compatible child restraints only at the locations shown. For the LATCH lower anchor locations see “LATCH (Latch Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system”. If a child restraint is not secured properly, your child could be seriously injured or killed in an accident.


● The LATCH anchors are designed to withstand only those loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be used for adult seat belts or harnesses.


WRS0797


Top tether anchor point locations Anchor points 䊊1 are located on the rear parcel shelf. Installing top tether strap


LRS0798
First, secure the child restraint with the LATCH System (rear outboard seating positions only) or the seat belt, as applicable. 䊊1 Flip up the anchor cover from the anchor point which is located directly behind the child seat.


䊊2 Position the top tether strap over the top of


the seatback.


䊊3 Secure the tether strap to the tether anchor bracket that provides the straightest installa- tion.


1-26 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● Inspect the lower anchors by inserting your fingers into the lower anchor area and feeling to make sure there are no obstructions over the LATCH anchors, such as seat belt webbing or seat cush- ion material. The child restraint will not be secured properly if the LATCH an- chors are obstructed.


Front-facing Follow these steps to install a front-facing child restraint using LATCH system:


LRS0824


WRS0799


(if so equipped)


1.


If the rear seat cushion has a flap 䊊1 , pull the flap down to allow access to the anchors 䊊2 . 2. Position the child restraint on the seat. Al- ways follow the child restraint manufactur- er’s instructions.


Front-facing web-mounted – step 3


3. Secure the child restraint anchor attach- ments to the LATCH lower anchors. Check to make sure the LATCH attachment is prop- erly attached to the lower anchors.


4. The back of the child restraint should be


secured against the vehicle 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 reinstall the head re- straint when the child restraint is removed.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-27


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WRS0800


LRS0671


WRS0697


Front-facing rigid-mounted – step 3


If the seating position does not have an adjust- able head restraint and it is interfering with the proper child restraint fit, try another seating posi- tion or a different child restraint.


Front-facing – step 5


Front-facing – step 7


5. For child restraints that are equipped with webbing mounted attachments, remove any additional slack from the anchor attach- ments. Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while tightening the webbing of the anchor attachments. 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” in this section.


6.


7. After attaching the child restraint, test it be- fore you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the seat near the LATCH attachment 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 LATCH attachment holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, tighten the LATCH attachment 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 re- straints fit in all types of vehicles.


1-28 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


is loose,


8. Check to make sure the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the child restraint repeat steps 4
through 7. Rear-facing Follow these steps to install a rear-facing child restraint using LATCH system:


LRS0824


WRS0801


(if so equipped)


1.


If the rear seat cushion has a flap 䊊1 , pull the flap down to allow access to the anchors 䊊2 . 2. Position the child restraint on the seat. Al- ways follow the child restraint manufactur- er’s instructions. Check to make sure the LATCH attachment is properly attached to the lower anchors.


Rear-facing web-mounted – step 3


3. Secure the child restraint anchor attach- ments to the LATCH lower anchors. Check to make sure the LATCH attachment is prop- erly attached to the lower anchors.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-29


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


Rear-facing rigid-mounted – step 3


Rear-facing – step 4


Rear-facing – step 5


WRS0802


LRS0673


LRS0674


4. For child restraints that are equipped with webbing mounted attachments, remove any additional slack from the anchor attach- ments. Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your hand to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback while tightening the webbing of the anchor attachments.


5. After attaching the child restraint, test it be- fore you place the child in it. Push it from side to side while holding the seat near the LATCH attachment 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 LATCH attachment holds the restraint in place. If the restraint is not secure, tighten the LATCH attachment 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 re- straints fit in all types of vehicles.


1-30 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


6. Check to make sure the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the child restraint repeat steps 3
through 5.


is loose,


● NISSAN recommends that child re- straints be installed in the rear seat. However, if you must install a front- facing child restraint in the front pas- senger seat, move the passenger seat to the rearmost position. Also, be sure the front passenger air bag status light is illuminated to indicate the passenger air bag is OFF. See “Front passenger air bag and status light” later in this sec- tion for details.


● 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 mode will result in the child restraint not being properly secured. The restraint could tip over or otherwise be unsecured and cause in- jury to the child in a sudden stop or collision.


● A child restraint with a top tether strap should not be used in the front passen- ger seat.


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


CHILD RESTRAINT INSTALLATION USING THE SEAT BELTS


WRS0256


WARNING


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


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-31


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


2. Position the child restraint on the seat. Al- ways follow the child restraint manufactur- er’s instructions.


The back of the child restraint should be secured against the vehicle seatback. If necessary, adjust or remove the head restraint to obtain the correct child restraint fit. See “Head restraint adjustment” in this section. If the head restraint is removed, store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall the head re- straint when the child restraint is removed. If the seating position does not have an adjust- able head restraint and it is interfering with the proper child restraint fit, try another seating posi- tion or a different child restraint.


WRS0680


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 in- structions for belt routing.


WRS0699
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 rear seats or 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 the front seat.


1-32 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


Front-facing – step 4


Front-facing – step 5


Front-facing – step 6


LRS0667


LRS0668


WRS0681


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.


5. Allow the seat belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in the belt.


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.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-33


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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 re- straints 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 locked, repeat steps 3
through 9.


is not


11.


WRS0475


Front-facing – step 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 should illuminate. If this light is not illuminated see ⬙Front passenger air bag and status light⬙ in this section. Move the child restraint to another seating position. Have system checked by a NISSAN dealer.


the


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


WRS0698


Front-facing – step 7


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 (rear seat installation only). See “Top tether strap child restraint” in this section. Do not install child restraints that require the use of a top tether strap to seating positions that do not have a top tether anchor.


8. After attaching the child restraint, test it be- fore 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


1-34 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WRS0256


WRS0761


LRS0669


Rear-facing – step 1


Rear-facing Follow these steps to install a rear-facing child restraint using the vehicle seat belt in the rear seats: 1. Child restraints for infants must be used in the rear-facing direction and therefore must not be used in the front seat. Position the child restraint on the seat. Always follow the restraint manufacturer’s instructions.


Rear-facing – step 2


Rear-facing – step 3


2. 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 in- structions for belt routing.


3. 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 the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode when the seat belt is fully retracted.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-35


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


Rear-facing – step 4


Rear-facing – step 5


Rear-facing – step 6


LRS0670


WRS0762


WRS0763


4. Allow the seat belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder belt to remove any slack in the belt.


5. Remove any additional slack from the child restraint; press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seat- back while pulling up on the seat belt.


6. After attaching the child restraint, test it be- fore 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, 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 re- straints fit in all types of vehicles.


1-36 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


BOOSTER SEATS


7. 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 seat belt webbing out of the retractor, the retrac- tor is in the ALR mode.


8. Check to make sure that the child restraint is properly secured prior to each use. If the seat belt locked, repeat steps 3
through 7.


is not


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


PRECAUTIONS ON BOOSTER SEATS


ARS1098


WARNING


● Infants and small children should al- ways be placed in an appropriate child restraint while riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a child restraint or booster seat can result in serious injury or death.


● Infants and small 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.


● NISSAN recommends that the booster seat be installed in the rear seat. Ac- cording to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, see “Booster seat installa- tion” in this section.


seating


position


● A booster seat must only be installed in lap/shoulder belt. Failure to use a three-point type seat belt with a booster seat can result in a serious in- jury in sudden stop or collision.


that


has


● 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.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-37


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● 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 used with a lap/shoulder belt. Booster seats are de- signed 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 dur- ing a collision.


● Follow all of the booster seat manufac- turer’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 posi- tioned to fit the booster seat, but as upright 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 pre- vent 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.


1-38 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


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.


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


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


BOOSTER SEAT INSTALLATION


WARNING


NISSAN recommends that booster seats be installed in the rear seat. However, if you must install a booster seat in the front passenger seat, move the passenger’s seat to the rearmost position.


CAUTION


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


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


WRS0811
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 rear seats or the front passenger seat.


WRS0813
● 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 䊊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 䊊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 pro- cedures.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-39


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WRS0699
1. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, move the seat to the rear- most position.


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


Rear center position


Rear outboard position


LRS0451


WRS0812


3. The booster seat should be positioned on the vehicle seat so that it is stable. If neces- sary, adjust or remove the head restraint to obtain the correct booster seat fit. See “Head restraint adjustment” 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.


If the seating position does not have an adjustable head restraint and it is interfering with the proper booster seat fit, try another seating position or a different booster seat.


1-40 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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 in- structions for adjusting the seat 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 seat belt routing.


LRS0454


Front passenger position


6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instruc- tions for properly fastening a seat belt shown in “Three-point seat belt with retrac- tor” earlier in this section.


7.


WRS0475
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 may or may not illuminate, depending on the size of the child and the type of booster seat being used. See “Front passenger air bag and status light” later in this section.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-41


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM


PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec- tion contains important information concerning the following systems: ● Driver and passenger supplemental front- impact air bag (NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System)


● Front seat-mounted side-impact supple-


mental air bag


● Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple-


mental air bag


● Seat belt with pretensioner 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 supple- mental air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the chest and pelvic area of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions. The side air bags are de- signed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted. 1-42 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple- mental air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the head of occu- pants in front and rear outboard seating positions in 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 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 occu- pant seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel and door finish- ers. (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 posi- tion. After placing the ignition switch in 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.


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● 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 us- age 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 acci- dent. See “Front Passenger air bag and status light” later in this section.


● 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 front air bag inflates.


WARNING


● The front air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, rollover, or lower severity fron- tal 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.


WRS0031


● The seat belts and the front air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The front air bags inflate with great force. Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag Sys- tem, if you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of posi- tion 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 front air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practi- cal from the steering wheel or instru- ment panel. Always use the seat belts.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-43


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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.


1-44 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


ARS1042


ARS1043


ARS1044


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-45


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


ARS1045


ARS1046


SSS0101


WARNING


WARNING


● 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. Pre-teens and children should be properly re- strained in the rear seat, if possible.


● Even with the NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System, never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An in- flating front air bag could seriously in- jure or kill your child. See “Child re- straints” earlier in this section for details.


Front seat-mounted side-impact supple- mental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags: ● The side air bags and curtain air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact, rollover or lower severity side collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.


1-46 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


WARNING


● The seat belts, the side air bags and curtain air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor. 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. Do not allow anyone sitting in the front seats or rear outboard 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.


WRS0032


SSS0159


WARNING


● 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 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 side air bag inflation.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-47


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


SSS0162


1-48 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


1.


2.


3.


4. 5.


Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag inflators Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag modules Air bag Control Unit (ACU) Supplemental front-impact air bag modules


6. Crash zone sensor 7.


Seat belt buckle switches on driver’s and passenger’s side


8. Occupant classification sensor


(pattern sensor)


9. Occupant classification system control


unit


10. Seat belt with pretensioner 11. Side satellite sensor


Coupe


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-49


WRS0845


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System (front seats) This vehicle is equipped with the NISSAN Ad- vanced Air Bag System for the driver and front passenger seats. This system is designed to meet certification requirements under U.S. regu- lations. It is also permitted in Canada. However, all of the information, cautions and warn- ings 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 passenger supplemental front-impact air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. The front air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although they may in- flate 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 system opera- tion. The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System has dual stage air bag inflators. It also monitors informa- tion from the crash zone sensor, the Air bag Control Unit (ACU), seat belt buckle sensors and the occupant classification sensor (pattern sen- sor). Inflator operation is based on the severity of a collision and seat belt usage for the driver. For


1-50 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


Sedan


WRS0844


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


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, please contact NISSAN or your NISSAN dealer. If you are considering modification of your vehicle due to a disability, you may also contact NISSAN. 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 the release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and 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 face and chest of the front occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating front air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Even with NISSAN advanced air bags, seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and pas- senger 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 front air bag module during inflation. The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision. The front air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON position. After placing the ignition switch in 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.


Front passenger air bag and status light


WRS0475


WARNING


The front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn OFF under some con- ditions. Read this section carefully to learn how it operates. Proper use of the seat, seat belt and child restraints is nec- essary for most effective protection. Fail- ure 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.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-51


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


Status light


is The front passenger air bag status light located on the instrument panel above the radio controls. The light operates as follows:


● Unoccupied passenger’s seat: The


is OFF and the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.


● Passenger’s seat occupied by a small adult, child or child restraint as outlined in this section: The illuminates to indicate that the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash.


● Occupied passenger seat and the passen- ger meets the conditions outlined in this section: The light is OFF to indicate that the front passenger air bag is opera- tional.


to certain front passenger seat occupants, such as children, by requiring the air bag to be auto- matically turned OFF.


The occupant classification sensor (pattern sen- sor) 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 out- lined in this manual should not cause the passen- ger 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 effec- tive protection by the seat belt and supplemental air bag. NISSAN recommends that pre-teens and chil- dren be properly restrained in a rear seat. NISSAN also recommends that appropriate child


Front passenger air bag The front passenger air bag is designed to auto- matically turn OFF when the vehicle is operated under some conditions as described below in accordance with 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 1-52 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


restraints and booster seats be properly installed in a rear seat. If this is not possible, the occupant classification sensor is designed to operate as described above to turn the front passenger air bag OFF for specified child restraints as required by the regulations. 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 re- straints” 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 clas- sification 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 au- tomatically turned OFF with the seat occupied. The light will not illuminate when the front pas- senger seat is unoccupied.


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


If an adult occupant is in the seat but the passen- ger 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 child and the type of child restraint being used. If the 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 air bag status light is not illuminated, reposition the occupant or child restraint in a rear seat. If the passenger air bag status light will not illu- minate 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, reposition the occupant or child restraint in a rear seat.


The 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 in the center of the instrument panel, 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 steer- ing wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such ob- jects may become dangerous projec- tiles and cause injury if the front air bags inflate.


● Do not place objects with sharp edges on the seat. Also, do not place heavy objects on the seat that will leave per- manent impressions in the seat. Such objects can damage the seat or occu- pant classification sensor (pattern sen- sor). 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 classifica- tion 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 se- verely burn yourself.


● No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental air bag or damage to the supplemental air bag system.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-53


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● 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 serious personal injury. For example, do not change the front seats by placing mate- rial on the seat cushion or by installing additional trim material, such as seat covers, on the seat that are not specifi- cally 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 classifica- tion 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 seri- ous personal injury.


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


● A cracked windshield should be re- placed immediately by a qualified re- pair facility. A cracked windshield could affect the function of the supplemental air bag system.


● The SRS wiring harness connectors are easy


orange


for


yellow and 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.


WRS0816


Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag and roof- 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. These systems are designed to meet voluntary guidelines to help reduce the risk of injury to out-of-position occu- pants. However, all of the information, cau- tions and warnings in this manual still ap- ply and must be followed. The side air bags and curtain air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity side collisions, although they may


1-54 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


inflate if the forces 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 cer- tain side collisions.


Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper side air bag and curtain air bag operation. When the 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 con- dition 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 pelvic area of the front occupants. Curtain air bags help to cushion the impact force to the head of occupants in the front and rear outboard seat- ing positions. They can help save lives and re- duce serious injuries. However, an inflating side air bag and curtain air bag 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. Rear seat passengers should be seated as far away as


practical from the door finishers and side roof rails. The side air bags and curtain air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occu- pants. Because of this, the force of the side air bag and curtain air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or is against, these air bag modules during inflation. The side air bags and curtain air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is over. The side air bags and curtain air bags op- erate only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.


After placing the ignition switch in the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.


WARNING


● Do not place any objects near the seat- back of the front seats. Also, do not place any objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the front door finisher and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if a side air bag inflates.


● Right after inflation, several side air bag 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 the side air bag and curtain air bag systems. This is to prevent damage to or accidental inflation of the side air bag and curtain air bag or damage to the side air bag and curtain air bag systems. ● 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 and curtain air bag systems. ● Tampering with the side air bag system may result in serious personal injury. For example, do not change the front seats by placing material near the seat- backs or by installing additional trim material, such as seat covers, around the side air bag.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-55


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


● Work around and on the side air bag and curtain air bag system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. The SRS wir- ing harnesses* should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electri- cal test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the side air bag or curtain 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)


WARNING


● The pretensioners cannot be reused af- ter 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 pre- tensioner system checked and, if nec- essary, your NISSAN dealer.


replaced by


● No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the pretensioner system. This is to pre- vent 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 equip- ment 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 a pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pretensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropri- ate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause per- sonal injury.


1-56 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system


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 activates, smoke is re- leased and a loud noise may be heard. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly.


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


the


supplemental


If any abnormality occurs in the pretensioner sys- tem, air bag warning light will not come on, will flash intermit- tently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on after the ignition switch has been placed in the ON or START position. In this case, the preten- sioner may not function properly. They must be checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.


墌 REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 09/08/08—debbie 墍


When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the pretensioner system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.


WRS0169


LRS0100


1.


2.


SRS Air Bag Warning Labels (located on the sun visors) SRS Air Bag Warning Label (located on the door pillar)


SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LABELS Warning labels about the supplemental front- impact air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bag and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag systems are placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.


SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT air bag warning light, The supplemental displaying in the instrument panel, moni- tors the circuits of the supplemental front-impact air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact supple- mental air bag, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag and seat belt pretensioner systems. The monitored circuits include the Air bag Control Unit (ACU), crash zone sensor, sat- ellite sensors, occupant classification system, front air bag modules, side air bag modules, curtain air bag modules, pretensioners and all related wiring.


Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-57

Loading...
x