2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 133

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving 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. Shifting Manually Shifting up (M1→M2→M3→M4→M5*) To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift lever back ( ) once. * 2.3-liter engine model Gear position indicator Shift position indicator NOTE l NOTE l l l 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. If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transaxle will switch to automatic shift mode, canceling manual shift mode and turning off the gear position indicator illumination. This is a normal function to protect the AT. After the ATF temperature has decreased, the gear position indicator illumination turns back on and driving in manual shift mode is restored. l 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 engine-braking because the fuel delivery will be stopped to protect the engine. However, this does not indicate an abnormality. When depressing the accelerator fully, the transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. 5-15