AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Gate type shiftThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal before shifting the selector lever to
the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), 3, 2 or
1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped
before attempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission model is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal must be
depressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition switch
is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if the
key is removed from the switch.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.
WARNING
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D or
manual shift mode. Always depress
the brake pedal until shifting is com-
pleted. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an acci-
dent.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
INever shift to P or R while vehicle is
moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
IIf the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P position while the engineis running and the brake pedal is
depressed, the stoplights may not
work. Malfunctioning stoplights
could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brakes should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-8
Starting and driving
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
ShiftingAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
brake pedal and shift the selector lever from P
(Park) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), or any of the
desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine
is not running. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedlyor roll away and result in serious per-
sonal injury and/or property damage.
If the key is turned to OFF or ACC for any
reason while the vehicle is in R (Reverse), N
(Neutral), or any D (Drive) position, the key
cannot be turned to LOCK and be removed
from the ignition switch. Additionally, the se-
lector lever cannot be moved to P (Park) from
N (Neutral) or any D (Drive) position. The
selector lever can be moved from R (Reverse)
to P (Park) with the key in the OFF or ACC
position.
If the key cannot be turned to LOCK, perform
the following steps:
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Turn the key to ON while depressing the
foot brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to P (Park).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK to remove the
key.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brakepedal must be depressed to move the se-
lector lever from N (Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park).Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then move the lever to the P (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped when select-
ing R (Reverse).The brake pedal must be
depressed to move the selector lever from
P (Park), N (Neutral) or any drive position to
R (Reverse).
N (Neutral):
Neither forward or reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled
engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
SSD0231
Starting and driving
5-9
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
3 (Third gear):
For driving up or down long slopes where
engine braking would be advantageous.
2 (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not exceed 68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2
(Second gear) 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 braking
on steep downhill grades.
Do not exceed 37 MPH (60 km/h) in the 1 (Low
gear) position.
Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed.
To move the select lever, depress the brake
pedal, and push the shift lock release button.
The select lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have your NISSAN dealer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into second gear or first
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will blink for approximately 8 sec-
onds after coming on for 2 seconds. While the
vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the automatic trans-
mission will be locked in third gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
SSD0232
5-10
Starting and driving
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence
according to the vehicle speed.
To back up, stop the vehicle and shift the lever
into the N position, and then pull the ring
upward to shift into the R position.The pull ring returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift into N (Neu-
tral), then release the clutch pedal and shift
into R (Reverse) or 1 (Low gear) again.
WARNING
IDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of con-
trol.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
SSD0233
Starting and driving
5-11
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
IWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
period of time, for example at a stop
light, shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.Suggested up-shift speedsShown below are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sugges-
tions relate to fuel economy and vehicle per-
formance. Actual up-shift speeds will vary ac-
cording to road conditions, the weather and
individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeACCEL shift
point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE shift
point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 13 (21) 13 (21)
2nd to 3rd 23 (37) 16 (26)
3rd to 4th 33 (53) 27 (43)
4th to 5th 39 (63) 36 (58)
5th to 6th 50 (80) 50 (80)
For quick acceleration when the engine is cold
or in 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)
5th to 6th 50 (80)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gearDownshift 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 suggested for
that speed. Always observe posted speed
limits, and drive according to the road condi-
tions, 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 (48)
2nd 55 (88)
3rd 80 (128)
4th Ð
5th Ð
6th ÐTo apply:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly, push
the button and lower completely.
SSD0018
PARKING BRAKE
5-12
Starting and driving
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h). During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow
these recommendations for the future reliabil-
ity and economy of your new vehicle.
IAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
IDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
IAvoid quick starts.
IAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
SD1001M
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
5-15
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
WARNING
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
INever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear)
position.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-16
Starting and driving
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X
WARNING
ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual trans-
mission models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
Starting and driving
5-17
Z
01.9.21/A33-D/V5.0
X