Mazda 1978 GLC Instructions; Maintenance And Servicing page 36

R (Reverse): This position is used for backing up.
Stop completely before selecting this position, or
before selecting another position after backing.
N (Neutral): The engine may be started with the
selector in this position, and the vehicle can stand
with the engine running. In either case, apply the
foot brake, for safety.
o
(Drive): This is the normal driving posItIon, and
the transmission will automatically shift through a
three-gear sequence, giving best economy and power.
Never manually downshift to positions "2" or "1"
when vehicle speed is more than 60 mph.
2 (Second Gear): Manually shift the selector lever
to this position for driving in heavy, slow-moving
traffic, for more power when climbing hills, for
braking assist when going down hills, or for starting
on slick surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary. 00 not exceed 60
mph in the "2" position. Manually move the selector
back to "0" for return to normal driving conditions.
1 (low Gear): Shift the .elector lever to low gear
for maximum power in hard-pulling situations, or
for climbing and descending very steep grades.
4-5
Do not exceed 35 mph in low gear. Manually sh ift
the selector back up to "2" or "0" when need for
low gear is over.
PASSING GEAR ("0" position only)
For extra power when passing another vehicle or pulling
steep grades, depress the accelerator pedal fully to
th~
floor, at which time the transmission will shift down
into the lower gear.
MOVING UP A STEEP GRADE
FROM A STANDING START
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot, shift
the selector lever to "0" or "l" depending on load
weight and steepness of the grade, and release the
parking brake. Depress the accelerator pedal gradually
with your right foot, while simultaneously releasing
the foot brake.
OTHER OPERATING SUGGESTIONS-
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1. Do not accelerate the engine in any of the drive
positions with the brakes on, as this can damage
the transmission by causing it to overheat.
2. Use the brakes to hold the vehicle on an upgrade;
do not use the accelerator to keep the vehicle
from rolling backward.