2004 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 104

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 13 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Manually shifting up (M1→M2→M3→M4) NOTE To shift up to a higher gear with the steering shift switches, tap either of the UP switches toward you once with your fingers. UP switches • When driving slowly, the gears may not shift up depending on vehicle speed. • In manual shift mode, gears do not shift up automatically. Don't run the engine with the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. If the tachometer needle enters the RED ZONE, you may feel enginebraking because the fuel delivery will be stopped to protect the engine. However, this does not indicate an abnormality. • Gears may not be shifted from M1 to M2 right after shifting the lever from D to M. Wait a few seconds and then shift up to M2. • When depressing the accelerator fully, the transmission will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. To shift up to a higher gear with the shift lever, tap the shift lever back (+) once. WARNING Hand Position When Using Steering Shift Switches: Putting your hands inside the rim of the steering wheel when using the steering shift switches is dangerous. If the driver air bag were to deploy in a collision, your hands could be impacted causing injury. Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim when using fingers or thumbs on the steering shift switches. 5-13 Form No. 8R65-EA-03C