2002 Mazda Protege Owner's Manual - Page 104

J39L(02MY).book Page 10 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving M Transaxle 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 Shifting from N or P: 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. If the engine is running faster than idle, don't shift from N or P into a driving gear. D (Drive) D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear sequence. 2 (Second) The 2 position is helpful when driving in heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing hills, for engine braking assist when going down hills, or for starting on slick surfaces and other situations where gentle acceleration may be necessary. Do not exceed 108 km/h (67 mph) in the 2 position. 1 (Low) Use the 1 position for maximum power in hard-pulling situations, or for climbing and descending very steep grades. Do not exceed 57 km/h (35 mph) in the 1 position. WARNING Holding the Vehicle with P: 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. To hold the vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND set the parking brake. CAUTION • Shifting into P 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. R (Reverse) In position R, the vehicle moves only backward. You must be at a complete stop before shifting to or from R, except as explained under Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-7). 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. 5-10 Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F