5-10
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G
Transaxle Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-7).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle 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 108 km/h (67 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 57 km/h (35 mph) in the 1
position.
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Setting the shift 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. To hold the
vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.
•Shifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage your
transaxle.
•Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.
WARNING
CAUTION
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
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11-2
Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G
Index
A
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories
...................................... 9-10
Air Bag Systems
.............................. 2-36
Air Filter
.......................................... 8-19
Antenna
............................................ 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
........ 5-7
Warning light
.............................. 5-7
Appearance Care
.............................. 8-42
Ashtray
............................................. 6-38
Audio System
................................... 6-10
Audio set
................................... 6-17
Operating tips for
audio system
............................. 6-11
Safety certification
.................... 6-34
Automatic Transaxle
Driving tips
............................... 5-12
Fluid
.......................................... 8-16
Overdrive
.................................. 5-11
Shift-lock system
...................... 5-11
Transaxle ranges
....................... 5-10
Automatic Transaxle (Sport AT)
Driving tips
............................... 5-18
Indicators
.................................. 5-15
Manual shift mode
.................... 5-15
Shifting
..................................... 5-16
Shifting recommendation
......... 5-17
Shift-lock override
.................... 5-14
Shift-lock system
...................... 5-14
Transaxle ranges
....................... 5-13
B
Battery
Maintenance
............................. 8-23
Specifications
........................... 10-4
Beeps
Ignition key reminder
............... 5-35
Lights-on reminder
................... 5-35
B
Seat belt warning beep .............. 5-35
Before Starting the Engine
................. 4-5
After getting in
............................ 4-5
Before getting in
......................... 4-5
Body Lubrication
............................. 8-19
Brake/Clutch
Fluid
.......................................... 8-14
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
....5-7
Foot brake
................................... 5-4
Pad wear indicator
...................... 5-8
Parking brake
.............................. 5-5
Warning light
.............................. 5-5
Break-In Period
.................................. 4-6
Bulb Replacement
............................ 8-29
C
Capacities ......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide
.............................. 4-4
Cargo Securing Loops
...................... 6-39
Catalytic Converter
............................ 4-3
Cell Phones
...................................... 9-11
Center Console
................................. 6-39
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions
........ 2-22
Installing child-restraint
systems
...................................... 2-25
LATCH child-restraint
systems
...................................... 2-31
Child Safety Locks for Rear Door
..... 3-8
Cigarette Lighter
.............................. 6-37
Climate Control System
.....................6-2
Gas specifications
..................... 10-6
Cruise Control
.................................. 5-19
Cup Holder
....................................... 6-38
Customer Assistance
.......................... 9-2
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