2007 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 147

RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page146 Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM Black plate (146,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving qTransmission Ranges The shift lever must be in P or N to operate the starter. P (Park) P locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from rotating. WARNING If the engine is running faster than idle, do not shift from N or P into a driving gear: 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. Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle: Shifting into N while driving is dangerous. Engine braking cannot be applied when decelerating which could lead to an accident or serious injury. WARNING Always set the shift lever to P AND set the parking brake: Only 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. CAUTION l CAUTION Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transmission damage. NOTE Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transmission. Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transmission. l R (Reverse) In position R, the vehicle moves only backward. You must be at a complete stop before shifting to or from R, except under rare circumstances as explained in Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9). N (Neutral) In N, the wheels and transmission are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are on. Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the shift lever from N to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. D (Drive) D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transmission will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence. 5-12 Form No.8V89-EA-06F