1997 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 112

"R" (Reverse): Use this position to back up. Always be sure the vehicle is completely stopped. With the brake pedal depressed, push in the select lever button and move the lever to the "R" position "N" (Neutral): Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to "N" and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving. "D" (Drive): Use this position for all normal forward driving. "2" (Second gear): Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. Do not exceed 73 MPH (117 km/h) in the "2" position. "1" (Low gear): Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. Do not exceed 40 MPH (65 km/h) in the "1" position. Accelerator downshift - In "D" position - For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into second gear or first gear, depending on the vehicle speed. SD1007 Overdrive switch ON: For normal driving, push the overdrive switch "ON " with the selector switch in the "D" position. The transmission is upshifted into OVERDRIVE as the vehicle speed increases. The overdrive will not engage until the engine has warmed up. OFF: For driving up and down long slopes where engine "braking" would be advantageous, push the switch "OFF ". When cruising at a low speed or climbing a gentle slope, you may 4-9