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Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: Three-point type seat belt with retractor

WARNING

  • Every person who drives or rides in the Nissan Sentra must use a seat belt at all times to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision.
  • Never ride in a moving Nissan Sentra with the seatback reclined. This is dangerous because the shoulder belt will not fit correctly against your body. In a collision, you could be thrown forward and suffer serious neck or other injuries.

    You may also slide under the lap belt, which can result in severe internal injuries.

  • For maximum protection while the vehicle is in motion, the seatback should remain upright. Always sit well back in the seat with both feet on the floor and ensure the seat belt is adjusted properly.
  • Do not allow children to play with seat belts. Most seating positions in the Nissan Sentra are equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. If the seat belt wraps around a child’s neck while ALR mode is activated, the belt may retract and tighten, causing serious injury or death, even when the vehicle is parked.

    Unbuckle the seat belt immediately to release the child. If the belt cannot be unbuckled or has already been unbuckled, free the child by cutting the seat belt with an appropriate tool such as scissors or a knife.

Fastening the seat belts

1. Adjust the seat to the correct driving position.

Nissan Sentra three-point seat belt fastening procedure

2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the tongue into buckle A until you hear and feel it securely latch.

  • The retractor is designed to lock during sudden stops or impacts. Pulling the belt slowly allows normal movement and provides comfort while seated in the Nissan Sentra.
  • If the seat belt cannot be pulled from its fully retracted position, firmly pull the belt outward and release it.

    Then smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

Nissan Sentra lap belt positioning on hips

3. Position the lap belt portion low and snug around the hips B, as illustrated.

4. Pull the shoulder belt toward the retractor to remove any slack C. Ensure the shoulder belt passes over your shoulder and across your chest.

The front passenger seat and rear seating positions of the Nissan Sentra are equipped with three-point seat belts that operate in two distinct modes:

  • Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
  • Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

The ELR mode allows the seat belt to extend and retract freely, providing normal movement while seated. The ELR automatically locks the seat belt during rapid deceleration or certain impacts.

The ALR mode, also known as child restraint mode, locks the seat belt to securely install a child restraint system.

Once ALR mode is activated, the seat belt cannot be extended again until the tongue is released from the buckle and the belt fully retracts. After full retraction, the seat belt automatically returns to ELR mode.

The ALR mode must be used only when installing a child restraint. During normal use by an occupant, ALR mode should not be activated, as it may cause uncomfortable belt tension and may affect the operation of the front passenger air bag system.

WARNING

When fastening seat belts, always ensure the seatbacks are fully latched in the upright position. If the seatbacks are not properly secured, passengers may be injured during a collision or sudden stop.

Nissan Sentra seat belt buckle release button

Unfastening the seat belts

To unfasten the seat belt, press the button on buckle 1. The seat belt will automatically retract into the retractor.

Checking seat belt operation

Seat belt retractors in the Nissan Sentra are designed to lock belt movement using two methods:

  • When the seat belt is pulled quickly from the retractor
  • When the vehicle slows down rapidly

To verify proper seat belt operation, perform the following check:

  • Firmly grasp the shoulder belt and pull it forward quickly. The retractor should lock and prevent further belt extension.

If the retractor does not lock during this test, have the system inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service or for further information about seat belt operation.

Nissan Sentra shoulder belt height adjustment control

Shoulder belt height adjustment (front seats)

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to a position that provides the best fit for you. For additional guidance, see “Precautions on seat belt usage”. To adjust the height, pull out adjustment button 1 and move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired position 2 so the belt passes over the center of your shoulder. The belt should remain clear of your face and neck without slipping off your shoulder. Release the adjustment button to lock the anchor securely in place.

WARNING

  • After adjusting the shoulder belt anchor, release the adjustment button and carefully move the anchor up and down to confirm that it is securely locked in position.
  • The shoulder belt anchor height in the Nissan Sentra should always be adjusted to the position that fits you best. Improper adjustment can reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the likelihood or severity of injury in the event of an accident.

Seat belt extenders

If, due to body size or driving position, the lap/shoulder belt cannot be properly fitted and fastened, a compatible seat belt extender is available for purchase. This extender increases the belt length by approximately 8 in (200 mm) and may be used for either the driver or front passenger seating position in the Nissan Sentra.

For proper selection and installation, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer if a seat belt extender is required.

WARNING

  • Only genuine NISSAN seat belt extenders, manufactured by the same company that produced the original equipment seat belts, must be used with NISSAN seat belt systems.
  • Adults and children who can correctly use the standard seat belt should not use an extender. Unnecessary use of a seat belt extender may result in serious personal injury during a collision.
  • Never use a seat belt extender to install a child restraint system. If a child restraint is not properly secured, the child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision or sudden stop.

Seat belt maintenance

  • To clean seat belt webbing, use a mild soap solution or a cleaner recommended for upholstery or carpet. Wipe with a clean cloth and allow the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts to retract until they are completely dry.
  • If dirt or debris accumulates in the shoulder belt guide of the Nissan Sentra, the belt may retract slowly. Clean the guide using a dry, soft cloth.
  • Periodically inspect the seat belts and metal components, including buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires, and anchors, to ensure proper operation. If loose parts, deterioration, cuts, or other damage to the webbing are found, the entire seat belt assembly must be replaced.
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