I was thinking if it is healthy for the engine and tranny to shut of the engine while in gear other than P or N (auto transmission)? Or does it matter?

 

I dont if that works. I know in a jaguar xj6 if you turn if the car in any non park (i think even neutral), it will beep and wont stop until you shift to park. If whjile the engine is off (idle) you shift into any non-neutral/park gear it will not turn on. (obviously so it doesnt stop driving away without you relizing it is in drive or reverse)

 

It makes no difference.

 

in my max my mom left it in D and turned off the car and it would let u take the key out untill you put it in P or N.

 

I remember one time when I was driving either maxima or Altima down a slope, by a stupid accident I put the auto gear into Reverse! The engine immediately turned off. then I put into "N" and started the engine and then continued to drive.

I don't remember if I heard a loud, abnormal noise or something, maybe not. One thing I remember clearly that I didn't bring the car to a stop. I was coasting before I started the engine again. The car is just fine. None of my Nissan has had a real repair so far, except for a slightly rusted muffler on my Altima that was replaced under warrany.