2005 Nissan 350Z Owner's Manual - Page 48

may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. They may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental air bag operation. The supplemental air bag system has dual stage inflators for both the driver and passenger air bags. The system monitors information from the crash zone sensor, the diagnosis sensor unit and seat belt buckle sensors that detect if the seat belts are fastened, inflator operation is based on the severity of a collision and whether the seat belts are being used. Only one front air bag may inflate in a crash, depending on the crash severity and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted. This does not indicate improper performance of the system. If you have any questions about the performance of your air bag system, contact a NISSAN dealer. When the supplemental front air bag inflates, 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 front air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on SSS0276 COMPONENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1. Crash zone sensor 2. Supplemental front air bag modules 3. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag modules (if so equipped for Coupe models) 4. Diagnosis sensor unit 5. Satellite sensors 6. Seat belt pre-tensioner retractor 7. Supplemental side air bag modules (if so equipped) Supplemental front air bag system The driver supplemental air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in the instrument panel. These systems are designed to meet optional certification requirements under U.S. regulations. They are also permitted in Canada. The optional certification allows front air bags to be designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than previously. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed. The front air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although they Safety - Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-35