Air Bag - Instrument Panel Inspection, After Activation

Classification:
RS98-001

Reference:
NTB98-061

Date:
July 15, 1998

INSTRUMENT PANEL INSPECTION AFTER PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION

APPLIED VEHICLES:
1995-99 Maxima (A32)
1994-96 300ZX (Z32)
1994-97 Altima (U13)
1998-99 Altima (L30)
1995-99 Sentra/200SX (B14)
1996-98 Quest (V40)
1995-98 240SX (S14)
1996-99 Pathfinder (R50)

SERVICE INFORMATION

The purpose of this inspection procedure is to determine if replacement of the instrument panel is necessary after passenger SRS airbag deployment. If any of the vehicles listed above exhibit a deployed passenger SRS air bag, use the following service procedure to inspect the instrument panel.

SERVICE PROCEDURE





1. Inspect the areas of the instrument panel around the airbag opening as noted (see Figure 1) for bending, deformation or cracks.

A. If the instrument panel exhibits any of the conditions listed above, replace the instrument panel.

B. If the instrument panel does not exhibit any of the listed conditions, proceed with step 2.





2. Inspect the instrument panel air bag module brackets for bending, deformation or cracks (see Figure 2).

A. If the air bag module brackets exhibit any of the conditions listed above, replace the instrument panel.

B. If the air bag module brackets do not exhibit any of the listed conditions, proceed with step 3.





3. Inspect the instrument panel mounting points for bending, deformation or cracks (see Figure 3).

A. If the mounting points exhibit any of the conditions listed above, replace the instrument panel.

B. If the mounting points do not exhibit any of the listed conditions, the instrument panel does not need to be replaced.

NOTE: For 1999 model year vehicles, refer to the appropriate service manual for instrument panel replacement criteria.