2008 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 66

Seat belts with pretensioners (Front seats) WARNING ● The pretensioners cannot be reused after activation. They must be replaced together with the retractor and buckle as a unit ● If the vehicle becomes involved in a frontal collision but the pretensioner is not activated, be sure to have the pretensioner system checked and, if necessary, replaced by your NISSAN dealer. ● No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the pretensioners. This is to prevent damage to or accidental activation of the pretensioner. Tampering with the pretensioner system may result in serious personal injury. ● Work around and on the pretensioners should be done by a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by a NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the pretensioners ● If you need to dispose of the pretensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pretensioner disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury. The front seat belt pretensioners activate in conjunction with the supplemental air bag systems. Working with the seat belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle becomes involved in certain types of collisions, helping to restrain front seat occupants. The pretensioner is encased with the seat belt's retractor. These seat belts are used the same as conventional seat belts. When the pretensioner activates, smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard. 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. After the pretensioners have activated, load limiters allow the seat belt to release webbing (if necessary) to reduce forces against the chest. If any abnormality occurs in the pretensioners, the supplemental air bag warning light will not come on, will flash intermittently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on after the ignition key has been turned to the ON or START position. In this case, the pretensioner may not function properly. They must be checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the seat belt pretensioners and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual. 1-50 Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system