2 = Second; 1 = Low; P = Park- Page 8

4-wheel drive system* 

2WD = Two-wheel drive
Power to rear axle only, 4X4 
indicator lights off
4x4 HIGH = Four-wheel drive
Power to front and rear axles 
at normal speed, 4X4 light on
4x4 LOW = Four-wheel drive 
(low range)

T R A N S M I S S I O N

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 

Transmission

Transmission

Quick Tips

Mazda

B-Series

page 14
page 15

Revised October 27, 2000

Driving without overdrive 
provides a lower gear for 
climbing hills and engine 
braking when descending 
hills; you can depress (

1

) at 

any speed
To re-engage overdrive, press 
(

1

) again and the instrument 

cluster light will go out

Tip: A flashing Overdrive 
Off light indicates a system
malfunction; dealer 
inspection required

2 = Second

Place the gearshift lever in 
second when accelerating on 
slippery roads or to provide 
additional engine braking 
on downgrades

1 = Low

Low provides maximum engine 
braking on steep downgrades

Automatic transmission* 

Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it 
must be in Park to remove 
ignition key

P = Park

To move gearshift from Park: 
You MUST press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition 
must be in the ON position
Never put moving vehicle 
in Park
Always apply parking brake 
when exiting the vehicle

R = Reverse

Do not engage Reverse when
vehicle is moving forward

N = Neutral

No gear is engaged; vehicle 
can roll freely, even on a 
slight incline, unless the 
brakes are applied

D (Overdrive)

For normal driving: Shifts 
through all forward gears 
automatically for more relaxed
highway driving and optimum 
fuel economy

Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and
can feel like an additional gear

D (Overdrive Off)

Press (

1

) to disengage 

overdrive; an indicator light 
on the instrument cluster 
will illuminate

1

Manual 
transmission*

Depress clutch
pedal completely
to start engine
and change
gears; stop 

truck completely before shifting
into reverse

Tip: Extended use of other than
the manufacturer’s specified
size tires on a limited-slip rear
axle could result in permanent
reduction in effectiveness; this
loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should
not be noticeable to the driver

1

2

3

4

D

R

*Denotes optional equipment

2

WD

4

x

4

LOW

4

x

4

HIGH

Power to front and rear axles 
at reduced speed, 4X4 LOW 
light on
To shift from 2WD to 4X4 HIGH:
Rotate switch from 2WD to 4x4
HIGH
To shift from 4X4 HIGH to 2WD:
Rotate switch from 4x4 HIGH 
to 2WD
To shift into/out of 4X4 LOW:
Stop vehicle, depress brake, 
place automatic transmission in
neutral (with manual transmission,
depress clutch pedal); rotate
switch to desired setting

Tip: Pulsation may occur during
cornering in 4X4 mode