Driving Your Mazda; Electronic Shift Control; 4-Wheel Drive System –- Page 160

Driving Your Mazda

5-24

4-Wheel Drive System –

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Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to
2 (Second) or 1 (First), depending on load
weight and grade steepness. Descend
slowly, using the brakes only occasion-
ally to prevent them from overheating.

J

Overdrive

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Overdrive operation

In 

f

D , the transmission automatically

shifts to Overdrive, which improves fuel
economy and reduces noise.

But to increase engine braking, don’t
use Overdrive when going down a steep
grade.

And for a smoother ride with less shift-
ing, don’t use it when:

S

Going up a steep grade;

S

Driving in stop-and-go traffic;

S

Pulling heavy loads.

Electronic Shift Control

The electronic shift control 4x4 system
functions in three modes. In 2-wheel
drive mode, power is delivered only to
the rear axle at normal road speed.

The 4x4 HIGH position provides 4-wheel
drive with power delivered to the front
and rear axles for increased traction. The
4x4 LOW position provides 4-wheel
drive with power delivered to the front
and rear axles when above average power
is required at reduced speeds.