Nissan Altima Automatic Shoulder Belt Malfunction

This bulletin will identify one possible solution for inoperative front seat, motorized shoulder belt systems in the Nissan Altima. These vehicles are equipped with an "inertia-safety switch" which disconnects the electrical power to the automatic shoulder belt motors, in the event of a collision. By preventing these motors from operating, the passengers will remain properly belted during a collision even if the belt retractor electrical circuit becomes damaged or if the vehicle side is impacted, causing a door to open. After a collision, the shoulder belts may be released by pressing the "EMERGENCY RELEASE" on the buckle located at the upper end of each front seat shoulder belt.

The lap belt and shoulder belt must always be properly fastened during normal vehicle operation at each occupied seating position.

WARNING!
THE SHOULDER BELT MOTORS MAY MOVE SUDDENLY WHEN THE INERTIA-SAFETY SWITCH IS RESET. STAY CLEAR OF THE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES TO AVOID CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS.

This inertia-safety switch is located in the vehicle's luggage compartment behind the driver side trim panel. The automatic seat belt inertia switch can be reset by reaching your finger through the "reset button access hole" in the left side trim panel. To reset the inertia switch, press down on the reset button, which is located on top of the inertia switch.

After resetting the inertia switch, perform a post collision seat belt system inspection of all seat belt system components to assure proper condition and operation. Verify proper operation of the automatic shoulder belts. If the seat belt warning light flickers and the chime sounds faster than usual for about 6 seconds, while the ignition switch is turned "ON" and either front door is open, there may be a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked by a qualified repair facility or a Nissan dealer.

The information provided in this bulletin is for educational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this bulletin, Tech-Cor assumes no responsibility or liability for any repairs performed using information from any publication issued by Tech-Cor.

Any person performing repairs must determine whether any suggested or recommended procedures or repairs are suitable or appropriate for the particular vehicle being repaired. The repairer remains solely responsible for such determination, as well as for the proper completion of the repairs.

Reproduction of this bulletin is not permitted without the written approval of Tech-Cor.