2002 Mazda Miata MX-5 Owner's Manual - Page 90

J07L_8Q42-EA-01F.book Page 12 Tuesday, March 5, 2002 3:14 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving To allow engine braking when going down a steep grade, make sure the overdrive button is in the off position. Shift lever O/D OFF indicator light Overdrive button This light comes on when the overdrive has been turned off. CAUTION And for a smoother ride with less shifting, don't use it when: • Going up a steep grade. • Driving in stop-and-go traffic. • Pulling heavy loads. To turn off the overdrive, push the button. The transmission will then shift through a three-gear sequence in D. Shift patterns without overdrive: D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2 = 2nd 1 = 1st To turn it on, push the button again. Shift patterns with overdrive: D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th 2 = 2nd 1 = 1st If the overdrive-off indicator light flashes, the transaxle has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to your transaxle. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. M Driving Tips Passing For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress the accelerator fully. The transmission will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. Climbing steep grades from a stop To climb a steep grade from a stopped position: 1. Depress the brake pedal. 2. Shift to D or 1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness. 3. Release all brakes while gradually accelerating. Descending steep grades When descending a steep grade, shift to 2 or 1, depending on load weight and grade steepness. Descend slowly, using the brakes only occasionally to prevent them from overheating. 5-12 Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F