1997 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 98

DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so equipped) The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by the A/T control unit to produce maximum power and smooth operation. The recommended operating procedures for this transmission are shown on the following pages. 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. WARNING ● 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. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident. ● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up. ● Never shift to P or R while the vehicle is moving. This could cause an accident. ● On slippery roads, do not downshift. This may cause a loss of control. CAUTION 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. 4-6 Starting the vehicle ● After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before shifting the shift lever to the D, R, 2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the shift lever. ● Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and shift into a driving gear. ● Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion. The 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. The shift lever cannot be moved out of P and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if the key is removed.