1998 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 115

D (Drive): Use this position for all normal forward driving. 2 (Second gear): Use this position for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above 74 MPH (119 Km/h). Do not exceed 74 MPH (119 Km/h) in the 2 position. 1 (Low gear): Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above 41 MPH (66 km/h). Do not exceed 41 MPH (66 km/h) in the 1 position. ASD1004 OFF: For driving up and down long slopes where engine braking is necessary, push the OVERDRIVE switch once. The O/D OFF indicator light on the instrument panel comes on at this time. When cruising at a low speed or climbing a gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift shocks as the transmission shifts between 3rd gear and overdrive repeatedly. In this case, depress the OVERDRIVE switch to turn the OVERDRIVE off. The O/D off indicator light on the instrument panel comes on at this time. When driving conditions change, depress the overdrive switch on the selector/lever to turn the OVERDRIVE on. Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time with the OVERDRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy. OVERDRIVE SWITCH ON: With the engine running and the selector lever in the D (Drive) position, the transmission upshifts into OVERDRIVE as vehicle speed increases. Accelerator downshift in D position For rapid passing or hill climbing while driving, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into second gear or first gear, depending on vehicle speed. OVERDRIVE does not engage until the engine has reached operating temperature. 5-8 Starting and driving