Steering: Service Precautions

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM "AIR BAG"
The Supplemental Restraint System "AIR BAG", used along with a seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger in a frontal collision. The Supplemental Restraint System consists of air bag modules (located in the center of the steering wheel and on the instrument panel on the passenger side), a diagnosis sensor unit, a crash zone sensor (4WD models), warning lamp, wiring harness and spiral cable.
The vehicle is equipped with a passenger air bag deactivation switch. Because no rear seat exists where a rear-facing child restraint can be placed, the switch is designed to turn off the passenger air bag so that a rear-facing child restraint can be used in the front passenger seat. The switch is located in the center of the instrument panel, near the ashtray. When the switch is turned to the ON position, the passenger air bag is enabled and could inflate in a frontal collision. When the switch is turned to the OFF position, the passenger air bag is disabled and will not inflate in a frontal collision. A passenger air bag OFF indicator on the instrument panel lights up when the passenger air bag is switched OFF. The driver air bag always remains enabled and is not affected by the passenger air bag deactivation switch.
Information necessary to service the system safely is included in Air Bags and Seat Belts.

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 should be performed by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
^ Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system.
^ Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to. SRS wiring harnesses are covered with yellow Insulation either just before the harness connectors or on the complete harness, for easy identification.
^ The vehicle is equipped with a passenger air bag deactivation switch which can be operated by the customer. When the front passenger air bag is switched OFF, the front passenger air bag is disabled and will not inflate in a frontal collision. When the front passenger air bag is switched ON, the front passenger air bag is enabled and could inflate in a frontal collision. After SRS maintenance or repair, make sure the front passenger air bag switch is in the same position (ON or OFF) as when the vehicle arrived for service.

PRECAUTIONS FOR STEERING SYSTEM
- Before disassembly, thoroughly clean the outside of the unit.
- Disassembly should be done in a clean work area. It is important to prevent the internal parts from becoming contaminated by dirt or other foreign matter.
- For easier and proper assembly, place disassembled parts in order on a parts rack.
- Use nylon cloths or paper towels to clean the parts; common shop rags can leave lint that might interfere with their operation.
- Before inspection or reassembly, carefully clean all parts with a general purpose, non-flammable solvent.
- Before assembly, apply a coat of recommended ATF* to hydraulic parts. Petroleum jelly may be applied to O-rings and seals. Do not use any grease.
- Replace all gaskets, seals and O-rings. Avoid damaging O-rings, seals and gaskets during installation. Perform functional tests whenever designated.
*: Automatic Transmission Fluid type DEXRON III or equivalent.