2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 134

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Manually Shifting down (M5*→M4→M3→M2→M1) To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift lever forward ( ) once. * 2.3-liter engine model NOTE l l l When driving at high speeds, the gear may not shift down depending on vehicle speed. During deceleration, the gear may automatically shift down depending on vehicle speed. When depressing the accelerator fully, the transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. WARNING Do not use sudden engine braking on slippery road surfaces or at high speeds: 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. Be sure to leave the shift lever in 1 or R position and set the parking brake when leaving the vehicle unattended: Otherwise the vehicle could move and cause an accident. Second gear fixed mode When the shift lever is tapped back ( ) while the vehicle is stopped or driven at the following speeds, the transaxle is set in the second gear fixed mode. 2.0-liter engine model: 14 km/h (8 mph) or less 2.3-liter engine model: 20 km/h (12 mph) or less The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier starting and driving on slippery roads. If the shift lever is tapped back ( ) or forward ( ) while in the second gear fixed mode, the mode will be canceled. Shifting specification (2.0-liter engine model) Shifting up If the vehicle speed is lower than the speed specified for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted up to a higher gear. Gear M1→M2 M2→M3 M3→M4 Vehicle speed You can shift up to M2 whether the vehicle is stopped or moving. 20 km/h (12 mph) 40 km/h (24 mph) 5-16