1997 Nissan Sentra Owner's Manual - Page 48

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG SYSTEM (if so equipped) Seat belts should be correctly worn, and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or dashboard. Since the supplemental air bag inflates quickly in order to help protect the occupant, the force of the supplemental air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or is against the supplemental air bag module during inflation. The supplemental air bag deflates quickly after a collision. The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. WARNING ● Do not place any objects on the steering wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental air bag inflates. ● Right after inflation, several supplemental air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. APD0644 The driver supplemental air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. The supplemental air bag system is designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although it may inflate if the forces in another 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 supplemental air bag operation. When the supplemental 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, but care should be taken to not unintentionally inhale it, as it may cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of breathing trouble should get fresh air promptly. The supplemental air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the occupant. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating supplemental air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. 2-20