1998 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 111

IGNITION SWITCH position. To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key and turn it gently while rotating the steering wheel slightly right and left. WARNING Never remove the key while driving. If the key is removed, the steering wheel will lock. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and could result in serious vehicle damage or personal injury. ASD1015 ASD1014 MANUAL TRANSMISSION The ignition switch includes an anti-theft steering lock device. The key can only be removed when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. On manual transmission models, to turn the ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn the key to LOCK. To lock the steering wheel, remove the key. In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise from the straight up AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION On automatic transmission models the ignition lock is designed so the key cannot be turned to LOCK and removed until the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park) position. When removing the key from the ignition, make sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park) position. If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove the key. 5-4 Starting and driving