2001 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 17

tion, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed. 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 system 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 not to intentionally inhale it, as it may cause irritation and choking. Those with a history of a breathing condition should get fresh air promptly. The supplemental air bags, along with the use of the seat belts, helps to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the occupant. It 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. Seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Since the supplemental air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants, the force of the supplemental air bags inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or against the supplemental air bag module during inflation. The supplemental air bags deflate 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 on the 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; youmay severely burn yourself. No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental air bag or damage to the supplemental air bag system. Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or front end structure. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental air bag system. Tampering with the supplemental air bag system may result in serious personal injury. Tampering includes changes to the steering wheel and the instrument panel assembly, by placing material over the steering wheel pad and above the instrument panel, or by installing additional trim material around the supplemental air bag system. Work around and on the supplemental air bag system should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. 1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems