Driving Your Mazda; Starting and Driving; The shift-lock system prevents shifting - Page 132

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

3 (Third)

The 3 position is helpful when driving in 
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing 
hills, for engine braking assist when going 
down hills, or for starting on slick 
surfaces and other situations where gentle 
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 141 km/h (87 mph) in the 3 
position.

2 (Second)

Use the 2 position for maximum power in 
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing 
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 93 km/h (57 mph) in the 2 
position.

▼

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. Move the shift lever.

▼

Shift-Lock Override

If the shift lever won’t move from P with 
the brake pedal depressed, continue to 
hold down the pedal.

1. Remove the shift-lock override cover 

with a screwdriver or similar tool.

2. Push the shift-lock override button 

down.

3. Move the shift lever.

4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized 

Mazda Dealer to have the system 
checked.

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 use sudden engine  
braking on slippery road surfaces or 
at high speeds.

WARNING

NOTE

•

When the ignition switch is in the 
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. This does not 
indicate an abnormality.

•

To be sure the vehicle is in park, 

the 

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

Cover

Shift-lock
override button

J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book  Page 10  Saturday, June 8, 2002  11:16 AM