2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 141

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. NOTE l l If the steering shift switches on both sides (left and right) are operated simultaneously, the gear will shift once. The gear will not shift if: The steering shift switch and the shift lever are operated simultaneously. The UP switch and DOWN switch are operated simultaneously. l l Shift position indicator Gear position indicator Manually Shifting up (M1→M2→M3→M4→M5→M6) To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift lever back ( ) once. NOTE 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 transmission fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transmission 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. To shift up to a higher gear with the steering shift switches, tap either of the UP switches toward you once with your fingers. UP switches Shifting You can shift gears up and down by operating the shift lever or the steering shift switches. 5-15