Mazda 2006 MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 152 / 378

Black plate (152,1)
Manually Shifting down
(M6
→
M5
→
M4
→
M3
→
M2
→
M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (
) once.
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, press either of the
DOWN switches away from you once
with your thumb.
DOWN switches
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead
to loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
Hand Position When Using Steering
Shift Switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous. If
the driver air bag were to deploy in a
collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury. Keep your
hands on the steering wheel rim when
using fingers or thumbs on the
steering shift switches.
NOTE
l
When driving at high speeds, the
gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
l
During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
l
When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transmission will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition2 Page152
Tuesday, June 14 2005 2:31 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F