2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 35

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 curtain sideimpact air bag operation. When the supplemental curtain side-impact air bags 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 curtain side-impact air bags help to cushion the impact force to the head of occupants in the front and rear outboard seating positions. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating curtain side-impact air bag may cause abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Rear seat passengers should be seated as far away as practical from the door finishers and side roof rails. The curtain side-impact air bag inflate quickly in order to help protect the occupants. Because of this, the force of the curtain sideimpact 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 curtain side-impact air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is over. The supplemental curtain side-impact air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. 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. ● Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or side panel. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental curtain side-impact air bag system. ● Work around and on the curtain sideimpact air bag system should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring harnesses* should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the side air bag system. * The SRS wiring harness connectors are yellow and orange for easy identification. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual. WARNING ● Right after inflation, several curtain side-impact air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. ● No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the curtain side-impact air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the curtain side-impact air bag or damage to the curtain side-impact air bag system. Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-17