2009 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 253

To move the shift selector, complete the following procedure: 1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position. 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 to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock release. 6. Push the ignition switch to the ON position to unlock the steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be moved to the desired location. If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission as soon as possible. Accelerator downshift - in D position - For passing or hill climbing, depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into a lower gear, 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. tion. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, place the ignition switch in the OFF position and wait for 10 seconds. Then push the switch back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operating condition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission and repair if necessary. WARNING When the high fluid temperature protection mode or fail-safe operation occurs, vehicle speed may be gradually reduced. The reduced speed may be lower than other traffic, which could increase the chance of a collision. Be especially careful when driving. If necessary, pull to the side of the road at a safe place and allow the transmission to return to normal operation, or have it repaired if necessary. 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 (MIL)" in the "Instrument and controls" sec- Starting and driving 5-15