2003 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual

Power steering fluid. Power steering system . Tilting steering wheel .

Stop light Storage . Storage tray . Sunglasses case . Sunroof Supplemental restraint system

Precautions on supplemental restraint system.

Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental air bag system) . Switch

Automatic power window switch . Front fog light switch . Hazard warning flasher switch . Headlight and turn signal switch.

.4-9
.5-9

.5-8
.5-11
.1-24
.8-23
.2-3
.2-28
.1-16

.5-6
.6-7
.5-2
.6-9
.5-6

.8-18
.5-17
.3-13
.8-36
.2-21
.2-23
.2-21
.2-26

.1-6

.1-6

.2-25
.2-18
.2-19
.2-16

Child safety rear door lock. Reporting safety defects (US only) .

.3-5
.9-18

Steering

10-4

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. Ignition switch . Overdrive switch . Rear window defogger switch . Windshield wiper and washer switch .

.5-4
.5-10
.2-16
.2-15

Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn signal switch) .

.2-16, 2-17

Tachometer . Three-way catalyst . Tilting steering wheel . Tire

Uniform tire quality grading.

.9-17

.2-4
.5-2
.3-13

Flat tire . Spare tire. Tire chains. Tire placard . Tire pressure . Tire rotation . Types of tires . Uniform tire quality grading. Wheels and tires .

.6-2
.6-3, 8-44
.8-41
.9-11
.8-39
.8-42
.8-40
.9-17
.8-39

.3-14
Vanity mirror . Vehicle identification . .9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (Chassis num- ber) . .9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
.9-12
Vehicle loading information. .6-12
Vehicle recovery. .2-11
Vehicle security system. Ventilators. .4-2

Wheels and tires . When traveling or registering your vehicle in another country . Window washer fluid . Windows

Locking passengers(cid:146) windows . Manual windows . Power windows . Rear power windows .

Windshield wiper and washer switch . Wiper

.8-39

.9-9
.8-20

.2-25
.2-26
.2-24
.2-25
.2-15

Windshield wiper and washer switch . Wiper blades .

.2-15
.8-28

Towing

Flat towing. Tow truck towing . Trailer towing .

Transmission

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Driving with automatic transmission. Driving with manual transmission . Selector lever lock release. Travel (See registering your vehicle in another country) . Trip odometer . Trunk access through the rear seat . Trunk lid lock opener lever . Trunk light .

.6-12
.6-11
.9-14

.8-15
.5-7
.5-10
.5-9

.9-9
.2-4
.1-4
.3-9
.2-28

Warning

Air bag warning light Anti-lock brake warning light Brake warning light . Door open warning light . Hazard warning flasher switch . Low fuel warning light . Seat belt warning light . Vehicle security system. Warning labels (for SRS). Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders .

.1-17, 2-9
.2-7
.2-7
.2-8
.2-19
.2-8
.2-8
.2-11
.1-16

.2-7

10-5

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MEMO

MEMO

MEMO

GAS STATION INFORMATION

RECOMMENDED FUEL: For 1.8L/2.5L engines Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at leat 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num- ber (Research octane number 91). For SE-R SPEC V Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at leat 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num- ber (Research octane number 91). For improved performance, NISSAN recom- mends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number (Research octane number 96).

CAUTION

c Using a fuel other than that specified could adversely affect the emission control system, and may also affect the warranty coverage.

c Under no circumstances should a leaded gasoline be used, because this will damage the three-way catalyst.

For additional information, see (cid:147)Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section.

RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL: c API Certification Mark c API grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I & II or

API grade SJ or SL Energy Conserving

c ILSAC grade GF-1, GF-II & GF-III c 5W-30 Viscosity preferred See (cid:147)Engine oil and oil filter recommendation(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual. TIRE COLD PRESSURE: See tire placard. RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE: During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle use, follow the recommendations outlined in the (cid:147)BREAK-IN SCHEDULE(cid:148) information found in the (cid:147)Starting and driving(cid:148) section of this manual. Follow these recommendations for the future re- liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life.

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QUICK REFERENCE

Engine coolant 8-8

Engine oil 8-11
Passenger supplemental air bag 1-6
Driver supplemental air bag 1-6
Spare tire 6-2
Fuel recommendation 9-3
Seat belts 1-18
Door locks 3-3

1. 2. Window washer fluid 8-19
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Seats 1-2
11. 12. 13. Meters and gauges 2-3
14. Hood release 3-10
15. Audio system 4-10, Heater/Air conditioner

Fuel filler lid release 3-13
Trunk lid release 3-10

4-2

WGS0014

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

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or per- formance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered un- der NISSAN warranties.

FOREWORD

READ FIRST(cid:151)THEN DRIVE SAFELY

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control. This manual was prepared to help you under- stand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome- ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle. A separate Warranty Information Booklet explains details about the warranties cov- ering your vehicle. The (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide(cid:148) explains details about maintaining and servicing your ve- hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state(cid:146)s lemon law. Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them.

Before driving your vehicle please read this Own- er(cid:146)s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, as- sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE- MINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and complete trip for you and your passengers! c NEVER drive under the influence of al-

cohol or drugs.

c ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions. c ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro- priate child restraint systems. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat.

c ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

c ALWAYS review this owner(cid:146)s manual for

important safety information.

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WHEN READING THE MANUAL

This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle. All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and with- out obligation. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moder- ate personal injury or damage to your ve- hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro- cedures must be followed carefully.

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

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth de- fects or other reproductive harm. In addi- tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

' 2003 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner(cid:146)s Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gar- dena, California.

APD1005
If you see this symbol, it means (cid:147)Do not do this(cid:148) or (cid:147)Do not let this happen.(cid:148)

If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustra- tion, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration.

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN

improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of syn- thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com- pany has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and (cid:151) most importantly (cid:151) through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control. From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by NISSAN. Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passen- gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every time you drive the vehicle. The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re- flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman- ship (cid:151) a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own.

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc- cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations. NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world- wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other diversified products. NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in- vestment in North America. NISSAN(cid:146)s commitment is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan Design

WFW0002
America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineer- ing at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North America. NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli- ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma- terials and services ranging from the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com- puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in

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NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

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

However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques- tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)

For Hawaii customers

1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)

For Canadian customers

1-800-387-0122

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: (cid:150) Your name, address, and telephone number

(cid:150) Vehicle identification number (attached to the top of the instrument panel on the driver(cid:146)s side)

(cid:150) Date of purchase (cid:150) Current odometer reading (cid:150) Your NISSAN dealer(cid:146)s name (cid:150) Your comments or questions OR You can write to NISSAN with the information at:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

Nissan North America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Hawaii customers

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

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

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Table of Contents

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Heater, air conditioner and audio systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Technical and consumer information

Index

10

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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Folding rear seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Head restraint adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Precautions on supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Supplemental air bag warning labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Supplemental air bag warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Three-point type seat belt with retractor . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Seat belt extenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Seat belt maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Precautions on child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Installation on rear seat center or outboard positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

LATCH ~lower anchors and tether for children! system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-33
Top tether strap child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Installation on front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35

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FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

c Do not adjust the driver(cid:146)s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of con- trol of the vehicle.

c After adjustment, gently rock in the seat

to make sure it is securely locked.

SEATS

WARNING

c 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.

ARS1152

c For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See (cid:147)Precautions on Seat Belt Usage(cid:148) later in this section.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

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WRS0175

WRS0176

WRS0131

Forward and backward Pull the lever up and hold it 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 and lean back. To bring the seatback forward, pull the lever up and lean your body forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position.

WARNING

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

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver(cid:146)s seat) Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3

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c When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured. If they are not com- pletely secured in the latched position, passengers may be injured in an acci- dent or sudden stop.

c Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously in- jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid securely latched when not in use, and prevent children(cid:146)s access to car keys.

FOLDING REAR SEAT Interior trunk access The trunk can be accessed from the rear seat for loading and unloading, as shown. s1 Pull the knob in the trunk to release the rear

seatback.

s2 Fold down the rear seatback.

WRS0132

WARNING

c Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an acci- dent or sudden stop.

c Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col- lision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

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LRS0058
When using the fold down rear seatback, the rear center seat belt retractor may lock up and prevent folding down the seatback. If the rear center seat belt retractor has inadvert- ently locked up, push the seat belt webbing to- ward the retractor as shown in the above illustra- tion. This will unlock the seat belt retractor and allow the rear seatback to fold down.

WRS0133

HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

WARNING

Head restraints should be adjusted prop- erly as they may provide significant pro- tection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat.

WRS0134
Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5

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and front door finishers. (See (cid:147)Seat belts(cid:148) later 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 or START position. After turning the ignition key to the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec- tion contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental front air bags, supplemental side air bags and preten- sioner seat belts. Supplemental front impact air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the face and chest of the driver and front passen- ger in certain frontal collisions. Supplemental side-impact air bag system (if so equipped): This system can help cushion the impact force to the chest area of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact colli- sions. The supplemental side air bag is designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is im- pacted.

These supplemental restraint systems are de- signed to supplement the crash protection pro- vided by the driver and front passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel

1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

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c 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 supplemental front air bag inflates.

WARNING

c The supplemental front air bags ordi- narily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, rollover, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

WRS0031

c The seat belts and the supplemental 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. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash. You may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental front air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practical from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seat belts.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7

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1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

ARS1133

ARS1041

WARNING

c 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.

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ARS1042

ARS1043

ARS1044

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9

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ARS1045

WRS0256

SSS0101

WARNING

c Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental front air bags inflate if they are not properly re- strained. Pre-teens and children should be properly restrained in the rear seat, if possible.

c Never install a rear-facing child re- straint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental front air bag could seri- ously injure or kill your child. See (cid:147)Child restraints(cid:148) later in this section for details.

1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

WARNING side

so

air bag (if

Supplemental equipped): c The supplemental side air bag ordi- narily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact or lower se- verity side collision. Always wear your seat belt to help reduce the risk or se- verity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

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c The seat belts and the supplemental side air bag are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. The side air bag inflates with great force. Do not allow anyone to place their hand, leg or face near the side air bag on the side of the seatback of the front seat. Do not allow anyone sitting in the front seat to extend their hand out of the window or lean against the door.

c 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.

c Do not use seat covers on the front seatbacks. They may interfere with supplemental side air bag inflation.

WRS0032

SSS0159

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11

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SSS0162

1. 2.

Supplemental front air bag modules Supplemental side air bag modules (if so equipped) Satellite sensors (if so equipped) Seat belt pre-tensioner retractor Diagnosis sensor unit

3. 4. 5. Supplemental front air bag system The driver supplemental front air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger supplemental front air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box.

1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

These systems are designed to meet optional certification requirements under U.S. regulations.

WRS0135
They are also permitted in Canada. The optional certification allows the front air bags to be de- signed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than previously. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed.

The supplemental front air bag system is de- signed to inflate in higher severity frontal colli- sions, although it may inflate if the forces in an- other type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supple- mental front air bag system operation.

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When the supplemental 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 chok- ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly.

Supplemental 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.

Seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or instru- ment panel. The supplemental front air bags in- flate 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 supplemental front air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position.

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

WARNING

c 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 supplemen- tal front air bag inflates.

c Right after inflation, several front air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

c 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.

c Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle(cid:146)s electrical system, sus- pension system or front end structure. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental front air bag system. c Tampering with the supplemental front air bag system may result in serious personal injury. Tampering includes changes to the steering wheel and the instrument panel assembly by placing material over the steering wheel pad and above the instrument panel or by installing trim material around the air bag system.

additional

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

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

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13

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

c The SRS wiring harness connectors are

yellow for easy identification.

When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the supplemental front air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri- ate sections in this Owner(cid:146)s Manual.

LRS0020

Supplemental side air bag system (if so equipped) The supplemental side air bags are located in the outside of the seatback of the front seats. The supplemental side air bag (on the driver or front passenger seat) is designed to inflate in higher severity side collisions, although it may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity side impact. It is designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted. It may not inflate in certain side collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental side air bag operation. 1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

When the supplemental side air bag inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by re- lease 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 chok- ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly. Supplemental side air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the chest of the front occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating side air bag may cause abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags do not provide re- straint to the lower body.