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

2005 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 
all forward gears automatically

Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and can
feel like an additional gear change

M (Sport A/T 
manual shift mode)

Move shifter from 
D to M to engage 
manual shift mode, 
M will be illuminated 
for manual mode on

shift position indicator located 
in the instrument panel
Manual shifting of transmission 
is achieved by moving shifter 
back to upshift and forward to
downshift, move shifter from 
M to D to engage automatic 
shift mode

Gear indicator (A/T only)*

Illuminated numeral of gear indicator
located in the instrument panel
displays current gear in Automatic
and Manual shift modes

Steering shift switches 
(A/T only)*

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

WARNING: Placing shift lever 
in P position without setting
parking brake may not hold
vehicle, always set parking brake

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

1

st 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

*Denotes optional equipment

2

4

1

5

3

6