2002 Mazda Miata MX-5 Owner's Manual - Page 87

J07L_8Q42-EA-01F.book Page 9 Tuesday, March 5, 2002 3:14 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Automatic Transmission Controls Lock-release button To prevent unsafe shifting Overdrive button For gear selection with either a three-speed or four-speed transmission WARNING Sudden Engine-Braking: Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy, or frozen roads, or driving at high speeds causes sudden engine braking, which is dangerous. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident. Do not cause sudden engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds. CAUTION • Keep your foot off the clutch pedal except when shifting gears. Also, don't use the clutch to hold the vehicle on an upgrade. This will avoid needless clutch wear and damage. • Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to reverse. Shifting to reverse while the vehicle is still moving may damage the transmission. NOTE Shift pattern indicator Shows shift lever position Various Lockouts: Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal and hold in the lockrelease button to shift (The ignition switch must be in the ON position). Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position. If shifting to reverse is difficult, shift into neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try again. Indicates that you must hold in the lock-release button to shift. 5-9 Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F