Nissan Altima (L34) 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Manual shift mode (if so equipped)

When the shift lever is in the D (Drive) position and the drive sport mode switch is pushed, the transmission is ready for the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manually by pulling the right-side or left-side paddle shifter.

When shifting up, pull the right side paddle shifter (+) B. The transmission shifts to the higher range.

When shifting down, pull the left side paddle shifter (−) A. The transmission shifts to the lower range.

When canceling the manual shift mode, push the drive sport mode switch. The transmission returns to the normal driving mode. When you pull the paddle shifter while in the D (Drive) position with the drive sport mode switch pushed, the transmission will shift to the upper or lower range temporarily. The transmission will automatically return to the drive sport mode after a short period of time. If you want to return to the drive sport mode manually, pull and hold the paddle shifter for about 1.5 seconds.

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

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:

1⇔ 2 ⇔ 3 ⇔ 4 ⇔ 5 ⇔ 6 ⇔ 7 ⇔ 8

M8 (8th) and 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 the 8th range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up

Use the + (up) side paddle shifter. (Shifts to higher range.)

When shifting down

Use the − (down) side paddle shifter. (Shifts to lower range.)

When canceling the manual shift mode

To cancel manual shift mode, push the drive sport mode switch on the shift lever or press and hold either paddle shifter.

• 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.
• 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.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (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.