Mazda 2009 MX-5 Miata Owner's Manual page 167

qShift-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. Move the shift lever.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is in the LOCK
l
position, the shift lever cannot be shifted
from P.
To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
l
ignition key cannot be removed unless the
shift lever is in P.
(With Advanced Key)
l
The ignition switch cannot be turned from
the ACC to the LOCK position when the
shift lever is not in P.
qManual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transmission vehicle by operating
the shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the rear wheels
much like a manual transmission when
more control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.
NOTE
Changing to manual mode can be done while
driving the vehicle with no damage occurring
to the transmission.
Starting and Driving
To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.
NOTE
If you change to manual shift mode when the
vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
Indicators
Shift position indicator
In manual shift mode, the M of the shift
position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.
Gear position indicator
The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.
Driving Your Mazda
Shift position
indicator
Gear position
indicator
5-15