2004 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 102

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 11 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving M Shift-Lock System The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift from P: 1. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine. 3. Move the shift lever. NOTE 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. • When the ignition switch is in the LOCK position, the transaxle cannot be shifted from P. • To be sure the vehicle is in park, the ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in P. M Manual Shift Mode CAUTION Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transmission damage. D (Drive) D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transmission will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence. M (Manual) M is the manual shift mode position. Gears can be shifted up or down by operating the shift lever or steering shift switches. Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-11). This mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transmission vehicle by operating the shift lever or steering shift switches and allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the rear wheels much like a manual transmission when more control is desired. To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M. To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D. 5-11 Form No. 8R65-EA-03C