Transmission Ranges; When Driving; Always set the selector lever to P and set- Page 151

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Transmission Ranges

•

The shift position indicator light in the
instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to
Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-26.

•

The selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Always set the selector lever to P and set
the parking brake:

Only setting the selector lever to the P
position without using the parking brake to
hold the vehicle is dangerous. If P fails to
hold, the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.

CAUTION



Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is
moving can damage your transmission.



Shifting into a driving gear or reverse
when the engine is running faster than
idle can damage the transmission.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 3-53).

N (Neutral)

In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.

WARNING

If the engine is running faster than idle, do
not shift from N or P into a driving gear:

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.

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:

Shifting into N while driving is dangerous.
Engine braking cannot be applied when
decelerating which could lead to an
accident or serious injury.

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transmission
damage.

NOTE

Apply the parking brake or depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector
lever from N to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.

When Driving

Transmission

4-35

MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition3

2017-3-29 20:29:26