2003 Nissan 350Z Owner's Manual - Page 19

collisions, although they may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity side impact. They are designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted. They may not inflate in certain side collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag operation. When the supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. 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 side air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the chest of the front occupants. Curtain sideimpact air bags help to cushion the impact force to the head of occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag may cause abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental side air bags and curtain sideimpact air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. The seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the side air bag, and seated as far away as practical from the door finishers and side roof rails. The side air bags and curtain side-impact air bag inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants. Because of this, the force of the side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or is against, these air bag modules during inflation. The side air bag and curtain side-impact 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 air bag warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the systems are operational. bag and curtain air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. ¼ No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of this side air bag and curtain sideimpact air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag or damage to the side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag system. ¼ Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or side panel. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag system. ¼ Tampering with the supplemental system may result in serious personal injury. For example, do not change the front seat by placing material near the seatback or by installing additional trim material, such as WARNING ¼ Do not place any objects near the seatback of the front seats. Also, do not place any objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the front door finisher and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the side air bag inflates. ¼ Right after inflation, several side air 1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems