2004 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 105

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 14 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Manually shifting down (M4→M3→M2→M1) To shift down to a lower gear with the steering shift switches, press either of the DOWN switches away from you once with your thumb. DOWN switches WARNING Sudden Engine-Braking: Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving at high speeds causes sudden engine braking, which is dangerous. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident. Do not use sudden engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds. NOTE 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. • When driving at high speeds, the gear may not shift down depending on vehicle speed. • During deceleration, the gear may automatically shift down depending on vehicle speed. • When depressing the accelerator fully, the transmission will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. To shift down to a lower gear with the shift lever, tap the shift lever forward (-) once. 5-14 Form No. 8R65-EA-03C