2010 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual - Page 315

The CVT can operate in two different automatic drive modes: ● D (Drive) mode - Move the shift selector to D (Drive), the transmission is in the normal forward automatic driving mode. The position indicator in the meter shows a "D". The D (Drive) mode does not produce a gear change sensation like a traditional automatic transmission. ● Ds (Drive Sport) mode - Move the shift selector over from D (Drive) to the left into the manual shift gate. The position indicator in the meter shows a "Ds". In Ds (Drive Sport) mode, transmission operation changes to Sporty" driving shift operation, creating a more aggressive acceleration feeling than the D (Drive) mode and a gear change sensation when the driver accelerates quickly. When the driver selects M (Manual) mode ratio with shift selector during Ds (Drive Sport) mode operation, the driver must move the shift selector from Ds mode to D mode and back again to re-select Ds (Drive Sport) mode. ● To cancel the Ds mode, return the shift selector to the D (Drive) position. The transmission returns to the automatic drive mode. The CVT can operate in a manual drive mode: ● M (Manual) mode - With the shift selector in the manual shift gate Ds (Drive Sport) mode, M (Manual) mode can be selected by moving the shift selector up (+) or down (-). In M mode, the transmission will produce noticeable upshifts and downshifts. The position indicator in the meter shows a "M". Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment. NOTE: Engine power may be automatically reduced to protect the CVT if the engine speed increases quickly when driving on slippery roads or while being tested on some dynamometers. The CVT is designed so the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch is in the ON position. The shift selector cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK or ACC position. Starting the vehicle 1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the shift selector out of the P (Park) position. 2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift selector into a driving gear. 3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion. 4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting the shift selector to the P (Park) position. 5-12 Starting and driving