Mazda mx5 Owner's Manual page 170

When Driving
Transmission
Shift Position Indication
The selector position is indicated when the
ignition is switched ON.
NOTE
If one of the following actions is
performed, the selector position is
displayed for 5 minutes even if the
ignition switch is in a position other than
ON.
The ignition is switched OFF.
The driver's door is opened.
Gear position indication
In manual shift mode, the "M" of the shift
position indication illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear is displayed.
Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-32 .
Transmission Ranges
The shift position indicator light in the
instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to
Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-32 .
The selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
4–42
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.
WARNING
Always set the selector lever to P and
set the parking brake:
Only setting the selector lever to the
P position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous.
If P fails to hold, the vehicle could
move and cause an accident.
CAUTION
Shifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage your
transmission.
Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete
stop before shifting to or from R, except
under rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 3-51 ).