7 speed automatic transmission

The automatic transmission in your vehicle is electronically controlled by a transmission control module to produce maximum efficiency and smooth operation. Shown on the following pages are the recommended operating procedures for this transmission. Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.

Starting the vehicle

After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal and push the selector lever button before shifting the selector lever to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before attempting to shift the selector lever. This automatic transmission model is designed so that the foot brake pedal must be depressed before shifting from P (Park) to any drive position while the ignition switch position is ON.

The selector lever cannot be moved out of the P (Park) position and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position.

1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and push the selector lever button to shift into a driving gear. 2. Release the parking brake and foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion.

WARNING

► Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or manual shift mode. Always depress the brake pedal until shifting is completed. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident.
► Cold engine idle speed is high, so use caution when shifting into a forward or reverse gear before the engine has warmed up.
► Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse) while vehicle is moving forward. Never shift to P (Park), D (Drive) or manual shift mode while vehicle is moving rearward. Failure to do so could cause you to lose control and have an accident.
► Except in an emergency, do not shift to the N (Neutral) position while driving. Doing so can cause a loss of engine braking which may result in a collision, serious personal injury or death. In addition, coasting with the transmission in the N (Neutral) position may cause serious damage to the transmission.

CAUTION
► When stopping the vehicle on an uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake should be used for this purpose.
► Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a loss of control.

To move the selector lever,

: Push the button while depressing the brake pedal,
: Push the button,
: Just move the selector lever.

Shifting

The selector lever position indicator light (next to the selector lever) will be illuminated for approximately 30 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. The indicator light may also illuminate when the vehicle receives radio waves. This is not a malfunction.

After starting the engine, fully depress the brake pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park) to R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift mode position. Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R (Reverse). All other positions can be selected without pushing the button.

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 unexpectedly or roll away and result in serious personal injury or property damage.

CAUTION
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped and the transmission is in the P (Park) position.

P (Park) position:

Use this selector position when the vehicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal must be depressed and the selector lever button pushed in to move the selector lever from the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then move the selector 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 before selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed and the selector lever button pushed in to move the selector lever from the P (Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to the R (Reverse) position.

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The engine can be started in this position. You may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.

D (Drive):

Use this position for all normal forward driving.

Manual shift mode

When the selector lever is in the manual shift gate, the transmission is ready for the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manually by moving the selector lever up or down. When shifting up, move the selector lever to the + (up) side. The transmission shifts to the higher range. When shifting down, move the selector lever to the − (down) side. The transmission shifts to the lower range. When canceling the manual shift mode, return the selector lever to the D (Drive) position. The transmission returns to the normal driving mode. 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:

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 these positions 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, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades.
► Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower than 7th gear. This reduces fuel economy.
► Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
► 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 Automatic Transmission (AT) position indicator light (on the dot matrix liquid crystal display) will blink and the chime will sound.
► In the manual shift mode, the transmission automatically shifts down to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a stop. When accelerating again, it is necessary to shift up to the desired range.

Accelerator downshift — In D (Drive) position

For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into the lower gear, depending on the vehicle speed.

Fail-safe

When the fail-safe operation occurs, note that the transmission will be locked in any of the forward gears according to the condition. If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be activated. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, push the switch to the OFF position and wait for 3 seconds. Then push the ignition switch back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operating condition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have an INFINITI retailer check the transmission and repair if necessary.

Shift lock release

If the battery charge is low or discharged, the selector lever may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal depressed and the selector lever button pushed. To move the selector lever, perform the following procedure: 1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position. 2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Remove the shift lock coverA using a suitable tool. 4. Push down the shift lock B as illustrated. 5. Push the selector lever button C and move the selector lever to N (Neutral) position D while holding down the shift lock. The vehicle may be moved to the desired location. If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have an INFINITI retailer check the automatic transmission system as soon as possible.