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

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR B AG" 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.

Necessary for Steering Wheel Rotation After Battery Disconnect

NOTE: • Before removing and installing any control units, first turn the push-button ignition switch to the LOCK position, then disconnect both battery cables.

• After finishing work, confirm that all control unit connectors are connected properly, then re-connect both battery cables.

• Always use CONSULT-III to perform self-diagnosis as a part of each function inspection after finishing work.

If a DTC is detected, perform trouble diagnosis according to self-diagnosis results.

This vehicle is equipped with a push-button ignition switch and a steering lock unit.

If the battery is disconnected or discharged, the steering wheel will lock and cannot be turned.

If turning the steering wheel is required with the battery disconnected or discharged, follow the procedure below before starting the repair operation.

OPERATION PROCEDURE

1. Connect both battery cables.

NOTE: Supply power using jumper cables if battery is discharged.

2. Carry the Intelligent Key or insert it to the key slot and turn the push-button ignition switch to ACC position.

(At this time, the steering lock will be released.) 3. Disconnect both battery cables. The steering lock will remain released with both battery cables disconnected and the steering wheel can be turned.

4. Perform the necessary repair operation.

5. When the repair work is completed, re-connect both battery cables. With the brake pedal released, turn the push-button ignition switch from ACC position to ON position, then to LOCK position. (The steering wheel will lock when the push-button ignition switch is turned to LOCK position.) 6. Perform self-diagnosis check of all control units using CONSULT-III.

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.

• Diagnosis sensor unit must always be installed with their arrow marks “⇐” pointing towards the front of the vehicle for proper operation. Also check 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 turn steering wheel and 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.

• Always replace instrument panel pad following front passenger air bag deployment.

Occupant Classification System

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

Refer to SE-29, "PASSENGER SIDE : Disassembly".