2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 124

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Manual Transaxle Operation M Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern 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. Riding the clutch will cause needless clutch wear and damage. • Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to R. Shifting to R while the vehicle is still moving may damage the transaxle. NOTE Neutral position The shift pattern of the transaxle is conventional, as shown. Press the clutch pedal all the way down while shifting; then release it slowly. A safety feature prevents accidental shifting from 5 to R (reverse). The shift lever must be put in neutral before being shifted to R. If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try again. WARNING Sudden Engine-Braking: Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy, or frozen roads, or while 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 use sudden engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds. 5-9