1996 Nissan Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 81

DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION The automatic transmission in your vehicle (if so equipped) is electronically controlled by a microcomputer to produce maximum power and smooth operation. Shown on the following pages are the recommended operating procedures for your automatic transmission. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. When the battery charge is low, the shift lever can be moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC position. 1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and push the shift lever button to shift into a driving gear. 2. Release the parking brake and foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion. WARNING ● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up. ● Avoid revving up the engine while the vehicle is stopped. This could cause unexpected vehicle movement. ● Never shift to P or R while vehicle is moving. ● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should be used for this purpose. Starting the vehicle ● After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal and push the shift lever button before shifting the selector lever to the D, R, 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the selector lever. This automatic transmission is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed before shifting from P to any drive position while the ignition switch is ON. Normally, the shift lever cannot be moved out of P and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF or if the key is removed from the switch. Driving precautions To help prevent transmission damage: ● Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or 1. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. 4-6