Driving Your Mazda; Starting and Driving; The shift-lock system prevents shifting - Page 149

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a 
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift 
through a 5-gear sequence.

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.

Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet, 
snowy, or frozen roads, or while 
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.

J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book  Page 11  Wednesday, July 9, 2003  4:19 PM