2005 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 107

RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page107 Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:11 PM Black plate (107,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving N (Neutral) In N, the wheels and transmission are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are on. 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 5-12). 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. qShift-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 l When the ignition switch is in the LOCK position, the shift lever 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. l 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. 5-11 Form No.8T69-EA-04G