2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 10 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMDriving Your MazdaStarting and DrivingAutomatic TransmissionControls▼ Transmission RangesThe shift lever must be in P or N tooperate the starter.P (Park)P locks the transmission and prevents therear wheels from rotating.WARNINGHolding the Vehicle with P:Setting the shift lever to the P positionwithout using the parking brake tohold the vehicle is dangerous. If Pfails to hold, the vehicle could moveand cause an accident. To hold thevehicle, set the shift lever to P ANDset the parking brake.Various Lockouts:Indicates that you must depress thebrake pedal to shift (The ignitionswitch must be in the ACC or ONposition).Indicates the shift lever can beshifted freely into any position.• Shifting into P, N or R while thevehicle is moving can damage yourtransmission.• Shifting into a driving gear orreverse when the engine is runningfaster than idle can damage thetransmission.R (Reverse)CAUTIONIn position R, the vehicle moves onlybackward. You must be at a complete stopbefore shifting to or from R, except underrare circumstances as explained inRocking the Vehicle (page 4-8).N (Neutral)In N, the wheels and transmission are notlocked. The vehicle will roll freely evenon the slightest incline unless the parkingbrake or brakes are on.5-10Form No. 8R65-EA-03C