Mazda 2003 Miata MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 93 / 257

5-10
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
▼
Transmission Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-7).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 4-gear sequence.
2 (Second)
The 2 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 104 km/h (64 mph) in the 2
position.
1 (Low)
Use the 1 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 59 km/h (36 mph) in the 1
position.
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Setting the shift 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. To hold the
vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.
•
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.
WARNING
CAUTION
Shifting from N or P:
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. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
WARNING
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 10 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM