2006 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 143

RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page143 Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM Black plate (143,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving NOTE l NOTE 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. (With Advanced Key) The ignition switch cannot be turned from the ACC position to the LOCK position when the shift lever is not in P. If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1. Indicators Shift position indicator In manual shift mode, the "M" of the shift position indicator in the instrument panel illuminates. Gear position indicator The numeral for the selected gear illuminates. l l qManual Shift Mode This mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transmission vehicle by operating the shift lever 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. Shift position indicator Gear position indicator NOTE If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indicator will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down. To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D. Shifting You can shift gears up and down by operating the shift lever or the steering shift switches. 5-13 Form No.8U58-EA-05J