Transaxle Ranges - Mazda CX-8 Quick Manual

When Driving
Automatic Transaxle

Transaxle Ranges

The shift position indication in the

instrument cluster illuminates.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-29.
The selector lever must be in P or N

position to operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
WARNING
Always set the selector lever to P position
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 transaxle.
Shifting into a driving gear or reverse
when the engine is running faster than
idle can damage the transaxle.
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 3-40).
NOTE
(With parking sensor system)
4-38
When the selector lever is shifted to the R
position with the ignition switched ON, the
parking sensor system is activated and a
beep sound is heard.
Refer to Parking Sensor System on page
4-182.
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
If the engine is running faster than idle, do
not shift from N or P into a driving gear:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P into a
driving gear when the engine is running
faster than idle. If this is done, the vehicle
could move suddenly, causing an accident
or serious injury.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:
Shifting into N while driving is dangerous.
Engine braking cannot be applied when
decelerating which could lead to an
accident or serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector
lever from N position to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.