Nissan Maxima Owners Manual: Manual shift mode

The transmission enters the manual shift mode by moving the shift lever to the left side in the "D" range. You can select the manual shift range either by moving the shift lever up or down, or by pulling the right-side or left-side paddle shifter (if so equipped). To cancel the manual shift mode, return shift lever to the right D (Drive) position.

The transmission returns to automatic driving mode.

When the shift lever is shifted from D (Drive) to the manual shift gate A with the vehicle is stopped or while driving, the transmission enters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manually. Shift ranges can also be selected using the paddle shifters (if so equipped) on the steering wheel B and C . When you pull the paddle shifter while in the D (Drive) position, the transmission will shift to the upper or lower range temporarily. If the paddle shifters are not used for about 5-10 seconds, the transmission will automatically return to the D (Drive) position.

If you want to return to the D (Drive) position manually, pull and hold either paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.

In the manual shift mode, the shift range is displayed on the position indicator in the meter.

When shifting the shift lever to the manual shift gate, the position indicator displays 1 (first) up to 7 (seventh) depending on vehicle speed.

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows: 1⇔ 2 ⇔ 3 ⇔ 4 ⇔ 5 ⇔ 6 ⇔ 7

M7 (7th)

Use this position for all normal forward driving at highway speeds.

M6 (6th) and M5 (5th)

Use this position when driving up long slopes, or for engine braking when driving down long slopes.

M4 (4th), M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd)

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades.

M1 (1st)

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.

• Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower than 6 range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up

Move the shift lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)

When shifting down

Move the shift lever to the (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)

• Moving the shift lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
• The transmission will automatically downshift the gears. (For example, if you select the 3rd range, the transmission will shift down between the 3rd and 1st gears.)

When canceling the manual shift mode

Return the shift lever to the D (Drive) position to return the transmission to the normal driving mode.

• In the manual shift mode, the transmission may not shift to the selected gear.

  This helps maintain driving performance and reduces the chance of vehicle damage or loss of control.

• When this situation occurs, the CVT position indicator light will blink and the chime will sound.
• In the manual shift mode, the transmission may shift up automatically to a higher range than selected if the engine speed is too high. When the vehicle speed decreases, the transmission automatically shifts down and shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.

CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature is extremely low even if manual shift mode is selected. This is not a malfunction. When CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be selected.

When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shift range may upshift in lower rpm than usual. This is not a malfunction.