2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 135

Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition2 Page134 Friday, May 26 2006 10:54 AM Black plate (134,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving qTransaxle Ranges The shift lever must be in P or N to operate the starter. P (Park) P locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. WARNING If the engine is running faster than idle, do not shift from N or P into a driving gear: 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. Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle: Shifting into N while driving is dangerous. Engine braking cannot be applied when decelerating which could lead to an accident or serious injury. WARNING Always set the shift lever to P AND set the parking brake: Only setting the shift lever to the P position without using the parking brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous. If P fails to hold, the vehicle could move and cause an accident. CAUTION l CAUTION Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle damage. NOTE Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transaxle. Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transaxle. l R (Reverse) In position R, the vehicle moves only backward. You must be at a complete stop before shifting to or from R, except under rare circumstances as explained in Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9). N (Neutral) In N, the wheels and transaxle are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are on. Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the shift lever from N to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. D (Drive) D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear/5-gear* sequence. * 2.3-liter engine model 5-12 Form No.8V66-EA-06F