Driving Your Mazda; Maximum Downshift Speeds; Transfer Case Position- Page 153

Driving Your Mazda

5-17

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Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep 

upgrade

, downshift

before the engine starts to overwork.
This reduces the chance of stalling and
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.

On a steep 

downgrade

, downshifting

helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life. When you come to a stop,
do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use as neces-
sary. Downshifting through the gears
decreases fuel economy.

Maximum Downshift Speeds

(For Overdrive*)

Shift

Transfer Case Position

Shift
from:

2H or 4H**

4L

Overdrive
to Fourth

55 mph

(88 km/h)

22 mph

(35 km/h)

Fourth to
Third

45 mph

(72 km/h)

18 mph

(29 km/h)

Third to
Second

35 mph

(56 km/h)

14 mph

(22 km/h)

Second to
First

20 mph

(32 km/h)

8 mph

(13 km/h)

*Downshift at lower speeds when driving on

slippery surfaces.

**Use the following for 4x2 applications.

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Parking

To park your vehicle, apply the service
brake, shift into N (Neutral) while still
maintaining pressure on the service brake
pedal. Set the parking brake fully. Shift
into 1 (First) and turn off the ignition.

WARNING

Parking in Neutral:
Do not park your vehicle in N (Neu-
tral). Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully. If you do not
take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.