2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Owner's Manual - Page 105

shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 11 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving M Transaxle Ranges The shift lever must be in P or N to operate the starter. P (Park) P locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. WARNING Shifting from N or P: It's dangerous to shift from N or P into a driving gear when the engine is running faster than idle. If this is done, the vehicle could move suddenly, causing an accident or serious injury. If the engine is running faster than idle, don't shift from N or P into a driving gear. Shifting into N while Driving: Shifting into N while driving is dangerous. Engine braking cannot be applied when decelerating which could lead to an accident or serious injury. Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. D (Drive) D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear/5-gear* sequence. * 3.0-liter engine model M (Manual) M is the manual shift mode position. Gears can be shifted up or down by tapping the shift lever back or forward from this position. WARNING Holding the Vehicle with P: Setting the shift lever to the P position without using the parking brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous. If P fails to hold, the vehicle could move and cause an accident. To hold the vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND set the parking brake. CAUTION • Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transaxle. • Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transaxle. R (Reverse) In position R, the vehicle moves only backward. You must be at a complete stop before shifting to or from R, except as explained under Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-7). N (Neutral) In N, the wheels and transaxle are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are on. 5-11 Form No. 8R29-EA-02I