2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 129

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Automatic transmission To turn the key from the ACC to the LOCK position, the shift lever must be in the P position. WARNING Remove the key only when the vehicle is parked: Removing the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. Removing the key allows the steering wheel to lock. You will lose steering control and a serious accident could occur. (For vehicles equipped with the advanced key, the steering wheel locks when the starter knob is turned to the LOCK position.) Before leaving the driver's seat, always put the key or start knob to LOCK position, set the parking brake and make sure the shift lever is in P with an automatic transmission or in 1 or R with a manual transmission: Intentionally placing the key or start knob into LOCK position is much more important where you will not be removing the key to leave the vehicle and because leaving it in other positions will disable some of the vehicle security systems and run the battery down. Leaving the driver's seat without putting the ignition switch in LOCK position, setting the parking brake and the shift lever is in P with an automatic transmission or in 1 or R with a manual transmission is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle movement could occur. This could cause an accident. NOTE If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the steering wheel from side to side. Leaving the key or start knob in any position but LOCK position also disables some of the security features and may run the battery down. Shift lever engaged in P (park) 5-3