Mazda 2009 MX-5 Miata Owner's Manual page 171

On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
í
qDirect Mode
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
The vehicle is driven at a constant
l
speed.
The needle in the tachometer
l
approaches the red zone.
The vehicle is driven at a constant
l
speed and the accelerator pedal is
heavily depressed.
Starting and Driving
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
l
slow speed.
Direct mode indicator
Gear position indicator
NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode may
not be possible depending on the vehicle
speed. In addition, because direct mode is
canceled (released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift mode is
recommended if you need to drive the vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.
qDriving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Driving Your Mazda
í
5-19
Some models.