Mazda 2004 RX-8 Owner's Manual page 104

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 13 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM
Manually shifting up
(M1→M2→M3→M4)
NOTE
• When driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up depending on vehicle
speed.
• In manual shift mode, gears do not
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 M2 right after shifting the lever
from D to M. Wait a few seconds
and then shift up to M2.
• When depressing the accelerator
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.
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
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