Neutral ; 1. Console; Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features - Page 8

C O N S O L E / T R A N S M I S S I O N

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 

Console/

Transmission

Transmission

Quick Tips

2004 Mazda

Mazda RX-8

page 14
page 15

Automatic transmission*
P 

=

Park

To move gearshift from Park:Press
firmly on brake pedal, then move
gearshift to gear selection

R 

=

Reverse

N 

=

Neutral 

No gear engaged

D (Overdrive)

For normal driving: Shifts 
through four forward 
gears automatically

Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and can
feel like an additional gear change
WARNING: Placing shift lever 
in P position without setting
parking brake may not hold
vehicle, always set parking brake

Sport AT manual 
shift mode*

Move shift lever 
return from D to M; 
then M to D for 
automatic mode

M (Manual)

Manual gear selection is achieved 
by moving shifter back to upshift
and forward to downshift
Shift and gear position indicator
located in the instrument panel, 
M will be illuminated for manual
mode, numeral for gear position
will be shown next to shift 
position indicator

Steering shift switches 
(A/T only)*

Upshift/downshift; pull 
either switch up/down, 
see Owner’s Manual

1. Console

Press button (

6

) and slide 

cover rearward until it clicks

2. Parking-brake lever

To engage: Pull up
To release: Pull up slightly while
depressing button at front of
lever, lower hand brake lever

3. Cup holders
4. Seat warmer*

Press on/off switch; indicator
light on when activated

5. Accessory socket

Manual transmission*

Depress clutch pedal to start
engine and change gears, 
push shifter downward when
selecting reverse gear

WARNINGS: Do not shift into
1st above 20 mph or clutch
failure could occur
Resting your foot on clutch
pedal while driving and using
the clutch to hold your vehicle
at a stand still while waiting
on a hill may reduce clutch life

P

R

N

D

M

MODE

VOL

ON
OFF

SET

ACCEL

CANCEL

SET

COAST

*Denotes optional equipment

2

4

1

5

3

6