2000 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 21

When the supplemental side air bag inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire, but 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. Supplemental side air bags along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the head and 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. SSS0165 WARNING ¼ Do not place any objects near the seatback of the front seats. Also, do not place any objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the front door finisher and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental side air bag inflates. ¼ Right after inflation, several supplemental side air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. ¼ No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental side air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the side air bag or damage to the side air bag system. ¼ Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or side panel. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental side air bag sys- 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. The seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the supplemental side air bag. Since the side air bag inflates quickly in order to help protect the front occupants, the force of the side air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or is against the side air bag module during inflation. The side air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is over. 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. 1-16 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems