1999 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 18

The seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or dash board. Since the supplemental air bags inflates quickly in order to help protect the front occupants, 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 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. SPA0649B Supplemental air bag system 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 bags are designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although they may inflate 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 supplemental air bag operation. When the supplemental 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 air bags along with the use of seat belts, helps 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 supplemental air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. ¼ 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. ¼ Right after inflation, several supple- Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11