1999 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 21

¼ No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This is to prevent accidental activation of the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation. Tampering with the pretensioner seat belt system may result in serious personal injury. ¼ Work around and on the pretensioner system should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the pretensioner seat belt system. ¼ If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury. The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system activates in conjunction with the supplemental air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the vehicle becomes involved in certain types of collisions, thereby restraining seat occupants. The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt's retractor. These seat belts are used the same as conventional seat belts. When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates, smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care should be taken not to inhale it as it may cause irritation and choking. If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner system, the seat belt warning light will flash intermittently after the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. In this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not function properly. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat belt system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual. 1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems