2014 Nissan Leaf Owner's Manual - Page 127

When a 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. Front air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the head and chest of the front occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating front air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Even with NISSAN Advanced Air Bags, 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. The front air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants. Because of this, the force of the front air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or is against, the air bag module during inflation. The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision. The front air bags operate only when the power switch is in the ON position. After the power switch is placed in 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. Front passenger air bag and status light WARNING The front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn OFF under some conditions. Read this section carefully to learn how it operates. Proper use of the seat, seat belt and child restraints is necessary for most effective protection. Failure to follow all instructions in this manual concerning the use of seats, seat belts and child restraints can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. Front passenger air bag status light Status light: The front passenger air bag status light is located on the instrument panel. After the power switch is pushed to the ON position, the front passenger air bag status light on the instrument panel illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off or illuminates depending on the front passenger seat status. The light operates as follows: light is • Unoccupied passenger seat: The OFF and the front passenger air bag is OFF and will not inflate in a crash. 1-42 Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system