Mazda 2004 RX-8 Owner's Manual page 105

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 14 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Manually shifting down
(M4→M3→M2→M1)
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Do not use sudden
engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds.
NOTE
• When driving at high speeds, the
gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
• During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
• When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transmission will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
To shift down to a lower gear with the
shift lever, tap the shift lever forward (-)
once.
5-14
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, press either of the
DOWN switches away from you once
with your thumb.
DOWN 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.