Driving Your Mazda; Starting and Driving; D (Drive) - Page 83

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F

D (Drive) 

D is the normal driving position. From a 
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift 
through a 4-gear sequence.

S (Second) 

The S position is helpful when driving in 
slow-moving traffic and when climbing a 
hill.

L (Low) 

Use the L position when pulling heavy 
loads and climbing steep grades.

Shift patterns without hold mode:

▼

Shift-Lock System

The shift-lock system prevents shifting 
out of P unless the brake pedal is 
depressed.

To shift from P:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Push and hold the lock-release button.

4. Move the shift lever.

Shifting from N or P:
It’s dangerous to shift from N or P 
into a driving gear when the engine is 
running faster than idle. If this is 
done, the vehicle could move 
suddenly, causing an accident or 
serious injury. If the engine is 
running faster than idle, don’t shift 
from N or P into a driving gear.

Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is 
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be 
applied when decelerating which 
could lead to an accident or serious 
injury. Do not shift into N when 
driving the vehicle.

D

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

S

1st, 2nd, 3rd

L

1st, 2nd

WARNING

Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet, 
snowy, or frozen roads, or driving at 
high speeds causes sudden engine 
braking, which is dangerous. The 
sudden change in tire speed could 
cause the tires to skid. This could lead 
to loss of vehicle control and an 
accident. Do not cause sudden engine 
braking on slippery road surfaces or 
at high speeds.

NOTE

•

When the ignition switch is in the 
ACC or LOCK position, the 
transaxle cannot be shifted from P.

•

If the brake is pumped with the shift 
lever in P, a chattering near the shift 
lever may be heard. Don’t worry, 
this is a normal sound.

•

To be sure the vehicle is in park, 

the 

ignition key cannot be removed 
unless the shift lever is in P.

WARNING

J76Y.book  Page 9  Wednesday, March 27, 2002  5:04 PM