Mazda 2006 RX-8 Automobile User Manual


 
Black plate (145,1)
NOTE
l
When driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up depending on vehicle
speed.
l
In manual shift mode, gears do not
shift up automatically. Don't run the
engine with the tachometer needle in
the RED ZONE. If the tachometer
needle enters the RED ZONE, you
may feel engine-braking because the
fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this
does not indicate an abnormality.
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When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transmission will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Manually Shifting down
(M6M5M4M3M2M1)
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.
Driving YourMazda
Starting and Driving
5-15
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page145
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J