2005 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 184

● Stop your vehicle completely before shifting into R (Reverse). ● When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example, at a stop light), shift to N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal with the foot brake applied. LSD0128 LSD0133 5 - speed Shifting To change gears, or when upshifting or downshifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly. To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard. Transmission damage could occur. On the 5-speed manual transmission, you cannot shift directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then into R (Reverse). 6 - speed On the 6-speed manual transmission to back up, lift up on the collar just below the shift lever and then move it to the R (Reverse) position after stopping the vehicle completely. If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st), shift into N (Neutral), then release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st). 5-12 Starting and driving