2007 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 218

To push the shift lock release, complete the following procedure: 1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key 2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Remove the shift lock release cover as shown. 4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock release slot and push down. 5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock release. 6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be moved to the desired location. If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission as soon as possible. Accelerator downshift - in D (Drive) position and manual shift mode - For passing or hill climbing, depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into lower range, depending on the vehicle speed. High fluid temperature protection mode This transmission has a high fluid temperature protection mode. If the fluid temperature becomes too high (for example, when climbing steep grades in high temperature with heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine power and, under some conditions, vehicle speed will be decreased automatically to reduce the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle speed can be controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be limited. WSD0168 Shift lock release If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal depressed. To move the shift selector lever, release the shift lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral). However, the steering wheel will be locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is discharged. WARNING If the selector lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position while the engine is running and the brake pedal is depressed, the stop lights may not work. Malfunctioning stop lights could cause an accident injuring yourself and others. Fail-safe If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be activated. The MIL may come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is activated, see "Malfunction indicator light 5-12 Starting and driving