Mazda rx-8 2005 Manual page 109

Manually shifting up
(M1→M2→M3→M4)
NOTE
When driving slowly, the gears may
l
not shift up depending on vehicle
speed.
In manual shift mode, gears do not
l
shift up automatically. Don't run the
engine with the tachometer needle in
the RED ZONE. If the tachometer
needle enters the RED ZONE, you
may feel engine-braking because the
fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this
does not indicate an abnormality.
Gears may not be shifted from M1 to
l
M2 right after shifting the lever from
D to M. Wait a few seconds and then
shift up to M2.
When depressing the accelerator
l
fully, the transmission will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
To shift up to a higher gear with the shift
lever, tap the shift lever back (+) once.
Starting and Driving
To shift up to a higher gear with the
steering shift switches, tap either of the
UP switches toward you once with your
fingers.
UP switches
WARNING
Hand Position When Using Steering
Shift Switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous. If
the driver air bag were to deploy in a
collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury. Keep your
hands on the steering wheel rim when
using fingers or thumbs on the
steering shift switches.
Driving Your Mazda
5-13