2002 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 143

DRIVING THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Gate type shift The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by a transmission control module to produce maximum power and smooth operation. Shown on the following pages are the recommended operating procedures for this transmission. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. 1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and shift into a driving gear. 2. Release the parking brake and foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion. is running and the brake pedal is depressed, the stoplights may not work. Malfunctioning stoplights could cause an accident injuring yourself and others. WARNING ¼ Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P or N to R, D or manual shift mode. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident. ¼ Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up. ¼ On slippery roads, do not downshift. This may cause a loss of control. ¼ Never shift to P or R while vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident. ¼ If the selector lever cannot be moved from the P position while the engine CAUTION When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brakes should be used for this purpose. Starting the vehicle After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before shifting the selector lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), 3, 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the selector lever. This automatic transmission model is designed so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. The selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) position and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the key is removed from the switch. 5-8 Starting and driving