2001 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 25

The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system activates in conjunction with the supplemental front 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 pretensioner system, the supplemental air bag will flash intermittently warning light after the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position. In this case, the pretensioner seat belt will not function properly. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the pretensioner seat belt system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this owner's manual. WRS0004 SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LABELS Warning labels about the supplemental air bag systems are placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration. 1-18 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems