Mazda 2013 Mazda3 Owner's Manual page 180

NOTE
If the gears cannot be shifted down when
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driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the
transaxle).
If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
l
temperature becomes too high, there is the
possibility that the transaxle will switch to
automatic shift mode, canceling manual
shift mode and turning off the gear position
indicator illumination. This is a normal
function to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indicator illumination turns back
on and driving in manual shift mode is
restored.
Shifting
Manually Shifting up
(M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 →
í
M6 )
To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift
lever back ( ) once.
Starting and Driving
NOTE
When driving slowly, the gears may not
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shift up.
In manual shift mode, gears do not shift up
l
automatically. Do not 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.
When depressing the accelerator fully, the
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transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed (Except M2 →
M1).
Manually Shifting down
í
→ M5 → M4 → M3 → M2 →
( M6
M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward ( ) once.
Driving Your Mazda
í
5-17
Some models.