1996 NISSAN ALTIMA transmission

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................. 4-2
Ignition switch ....................................................... 4-4
Before starting the engine .................................... 4-5
Driving with automatic transmission..................... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........................ 4-8
Starting the engine ............................................... 4-9
Parking brake operation ..................................... 4-10
Cruise control ..................................................... 4-11
Break-in schedule............................................... 4-12
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 4-13
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 4-14
Precautions when driving ................................... 4-15
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so equipped).. 4-15
Cold weather driving cautions ............................ 4-17
ZX

Manual transmission
The switch includes an anti-theft steering
lock device.
``LOCK'' Normal parking position (0)
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in this position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to ``LOCK'' from ``ACC'' or ``ON'',
turn the key to ``OFF'' and press in the key
release button, then turn the key to ``LOCK''.In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn coun-
terclockwise from the straight up position.
Automatic transmission
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to ``LOCK'' and removed until the
shift lever is moved to the ``P'' (Park) posi-
tion.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift lever is in the ``P'' (Park)
position.
When the key cannot be turned to the
``LOCK'' position, proceed as follows to re-
move the key:
ASD0022ASD0023
IGNITION SWITCH
4-4
ZX

1) Move the shift lever into the ``P'' (Park)
position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ``ON''
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the ``LOCK'' posi-
tion.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever cannot be moved from
``P'' (Park).The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ``ACC'' posi-
tion. The shift lever can also be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ``ON'' posi-
tion and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
There is an ``OFF'' position in between
``LOCK'' and ``ACC'', although it does not
show on the key cylinder. When the ignition
is in ``OFF'' the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn coun-
terclockwise from the straight up position,
and the key must be removed from the
ignition.WARNING
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, in-
sert the key and turn it gently while
rotating the steering wheel slightly
right and left.
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.
``OFF'' (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
``ACC'' (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
``ON'' Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.``START'' (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ``ON'' (3) posi-
tion.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
ZX

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
(if so equipped) is electronically controlled
by the A/T control unit to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for this
transmission. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before shifting the selector
lever to the ``D'', ``R'', ``2'' or ``1'' position.
Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before
attempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be
depressed before shifting from ``P'' to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is ``ON''.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
``P'' and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to
``OFF'' or if the key is removed.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ``ACC'' position.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2.Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
CAUTION
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
c
Avoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
c
Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from ``P'' or ``N'' to ``R'',
``D'', ``2'' or ``1''. Always depress the
brake pedal until shifting is completed.
cNever shift to ``P'' or ``R'' while the
vehicle is moving.
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an up-
hill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brakes should be used for this
purpose.
ASD0510
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
ZX

Push the button to shift into ``P'', ``R'' or from
``D'' to ``2''. All other positions can be se-
lected without pushing the button.
``P'' (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or when starting the engine. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maxi-
mum safety, depress the brake pedal, then
push in the select lever button and move the
shift lever to the ``P'' position. Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply
the parking brake first, then move the shift
lever into the ``P'' position.
Shifting from ``P'' (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ``ON'' position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of
``P'' (Park), follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ``ACC'' position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gear-
shift lever to ``N'' (Neutral) and start the
engine.These instructions for starting the vehicle in
``N'' (Neutral) position should only be used
until service can be obtained.
``R'' (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the select
lever button and move the shift lever to the
``R'' position.
``N'' (Neutral):
In Neutral, neither forward nor reverse gear
is engaged. The engine can be started in
this position. You may shift to ``N'' and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
``D'' (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
``2'' (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not shift into the ``2'' position at speeds
over 74 MPH (119 Km/h). Do not exceed 74
MPH (119 Km/h) in the ``2'' position.``1'' (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the ``1'' position at speeds
over 74 MPH (119 km/h). Do not exceed 41
MPH (66 km/h) in the ``1'' position.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In ``D'' position Ð
For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully de-
press the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts the transmission down into 2 (Sec-
ond) gear or 1 (Low) gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
4-7
ZX

Overdrive switch
ON: For normal driving, push the over-
drive switch ON with the shift lever in
the ``D'' position. The transmission
will shift into OVERDRIVE as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive will not engage until the
engine has warmed up.OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine ``braking'' would be
advantageous, push the switch OFF.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd and
overdrive repeatedly. In this case,
set the overdrive switch in the OFF
position. The O/D OFF indicator light
on the instrument panel will come on
at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch to the ON position.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the OFF position. This reduces
the fuel economy.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, and then move the gearshift lever.
After shifting, release the clutch pedal slowly.
On the 5-speed transmission model, you
cannot shift directly from 5th gear into Re-
verse. First shift into Neutral, then into Re-
verse.
If it is difficult to move the gear shift lever
into Reverse or First, shift into Neutral, then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into Reverse or First.
Driving precautions
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
ASD0511SD1022
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
4-8
ZX

while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before shift-
ing into reverse.
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a dura-
tion, for example at a stop light, shift to
neutral and release the clutch pedal with
the foot brake applied.
Suggested upshift speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sug-
gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual upshift speeds will vary
according to road conditions, the weather
and individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas [less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeACCEL
shift point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE
shift point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24) 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 18 (29)
3rd to 4th 36 (58) 30 (48)
4th to 5th 40 (64) 39 (63)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (50)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 90 (145)
4th þ
5th þ1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift lever to ``P'' (Park) or ``N''
(Neutral). (``P'' preferred.)
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
``P'' and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
``OFF'' or if the key is removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to ``N'' (Neutral),
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to ``START''. Release the key when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press and hold the accelerator pedal
to help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
STARTING THE ENGINE
4-9
ZX

The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The indicator light on the
switch will come on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
``COAST/SET'' switch and release it. The
``CRUISE'' indicator light will come on. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle will maintain the set speed.cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle will return to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the ``CRUISE''
light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; the ``CRUISE'' light
will go out.c) Turn the main switch off. Both the ``ON''
indicator and ``CRUISE'' lights will go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the ``CRUISE'' light goes out if:
cYou depress the brake pedal while push-
ing the ``ACCEL'' set switch.
cThe vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.
cYou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift lever to
``N'' (automatic transmission).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the ``COAST/SET'' switch.
b) Push and hold the ``ACCEL'' set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the ``ACCEL''
set switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
ASD0512
CRUISE CONTROL
4-11
ZX