Driving Your Mazda; Driving Tips; Starting and Driving- Page 131

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K

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Overdrive

Overdrive operation

In D, the transaxle automatically shifts to 
overdrive, which improves fuel economy 
and reduces noise.

To allow engine braking when going 
down a steep grade, make sure the 
overdrive button is in the off position.

And for a smoother ride with less shifting, 
don’t use it when:

•

Going up a steep grade.

•

Driving in stop-and-go traffic.

•

Pulling heavy loads.

To turn off the overdrive, push the 
button.

The transaxle will then shift through a 4-
gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd

To turn it on, push the button again.

Shift patterns with overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd

O/D OFF indicator light

This light comes on when the overdrive 
has been turned off.

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Driving Tips

Passing

For extra power when passing another 
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress 
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will 
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle 
speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped 
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or 2, depending on the load 

weight and grade steepness.

3. Release all brakes while gradually 

accelerating.

Overdrive button

If the overdrive-off indicator light 
flashes, the transaxle has an electrical 
problem. Continuing to drive your 
Mazda in this condition could cause 
damage to your transaxle. Consult an 
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as 
possible.

CAUTION

J16L_EA.book  Page 11  Friday, February 22, 2002  11:34 AM