Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: Precaution

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"

The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted.

Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of this Service Manual.

WARNING: • To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

• Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness connectors.

Precaution for SRS "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER" Service

• Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.

• Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes.

For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pretensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

• The air bag diagnosis sensor unit must always be installed with the arrow mark “” pointing toward the front of the vehicle for proper operation. Also check air bag diagnosis sensor unit for cracks, deformities or rust before installation and replace as required.

• The spiral cable must be aligned with the neutral position since its rotations are limited. Do not attempt to turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.

• Handle air bag module carefully. Always place driver and front passenger air bag modules with the pad side facing upward and seat mounted front side air bag module standing with the stud bolt side facing down.

• Conduct self-diagnosis to check entire SRS for proper function after replacing any components.

• After air bag inflates, the front instrument panel assembly should be replaced if damaged.

Occupant Classification System Precaution

Replace occupant classification system control unit and passenger front seat cushion as an assembly.