2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 132

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving qShift-Lock System The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift from P: 1. Depress and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine. 3. Move the shift lever. NOTE l 4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the system checked. qManual Shift Mode This mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by operating the shift lever and allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the front wheels much like a manual transaxle when more control is desired. To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M. l When the ignition switch is in the ACC or LOCK position, the shift lever cannot be shifted from P. To be sure the vehicle is in park, the ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in P. qShift-Lock Override If the shift lever won't move from P using the proper shift procedure, continue to hold down the pedal. 1. Remove the shift-lock override cover with a screwdriver. 2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down. To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D. NOTE l l l 3. Move the shift lever. If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1. If you shift up once when the vehicle is stopped and the gear is at M1, the gear will shift to M2. M2 is helpful for starting on slippery surfaces. (2.3-liter engine model) If you change to manual shift mode without depressing the accelerator pedal when driving in D range, 5th gear, the gear will shift to M4. 5-14