Driving Your Mazda; Starting and Driving; D (Drive) - Page 93

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

D (Drive) 

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

2 (Second) 

The 2 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 104 km/h (64 mph) in the 2 
position.

1 (Low) 

Use the 1 position for maximum power in 
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing 
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 59 km/h (36 mph) in the 1 
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. 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.

WARNING

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.

NOTE

•

When the ignition switch is in the 
ACC or LOCK position, the 
transmission 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.

WARNING

J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book  Page 11  Monday, February 3, 2003  1:16 PM