Driving Your Mazda- Page 158

Driving Your Mazda

5-22

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D (Overdrive)

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D (Overdrive) is the normal drive

position for the best fuel economy. As
the vehicle picks up speed, the 4R44E
transmission will automatically upshift
to second, third and fourth gears when

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D  (Overdrive) is chosen on the selector

and the transmission control switch has
not been pressed.

The 5R55E transmission will automati-
cally upshift to second, third, fourth
and fifth gears, when 

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D  (Overdrive) is

chosen on the selector and the transmis-
sion control switch has not been pressed.

The transmission will shift into correct
gear when the right speed is achieved for
the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.

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Drive

You will note that there is not a drive
position on your gearshift indicator.
However, you will find a transmission
control switch labeled ‘‘O/D ON/OFF’’
located on the end of the gearshift lever.
Press this switch and ‘‘O/D OFF’’ will
illuminate on the instrument cluster.

With overdrive cancelled and the ‘‘O/D
OFF’’ illuminated, the 4R44E transmis-
sion will operate in gears one through
three and the 5R55E transmission will
operate in gears one through four. Oper-
ating in ‘‘OFF’’ gives more engine braking
than Overdrive and is useful for ascending
or descending hills or when towing. Shift
back to 

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D  (Overdrive) whenever practi-

cal for optimum powertrain cooling.

To return the transmission to the nor-
mal 

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D  (Overdrive) operation, press the

transmission control switch again. When
starting your vehicle, the overdrive sys-
tem will automatically be in the normal
overdrive mode.

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2 (Second)

The 2 (Second) position is helpful when
driving in heavy, slow-moving traffic and
climbing hills; for braking assist when
going down hills; or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.

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1 (Low)

Use the 1 (Low) position in hard-pulling
situations, or for climbing and descend-
ing very steep grades.