2009 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 154

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Indicators Shift position indicator In manual shift mode, the "M" of the shift position indicator in the instrument panel illuminates. Gear position indicator The numeral for the selected gear illuminates. Manually Shifting up (M1→M2→M3→M4→M5→M6) To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift lever back ( ) once. Gear position indicator Shift position indicator To shift up to a higher gear with the steering shift switches, tap either of the UP switches toward you once with your fingers. Up switches NOTE If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indicator will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down. Shifting You can shift gears up and down by operating the shift lever or the steering shift switches. NOTE l l If the steering shift switches on both sides (left and right) are operated simultaneously, the gear will shift once. The gear will not shift if: The steering shift switch and the shift lever are operated simultaneously. The UP switch and DOWN switch are operated simultaneously. l l WARNING Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim when using fingers or thumbs on the steering shift switches: Putting your hands inside the rim of the steering wheel when using the steering shift switches is dangerous. If the driver air bag were to deploy in a collision, your hands could be impacted causing injury. 5-16