2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 13 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMDriving Your MazdaStarting and DrivingManually shifting up(M1→M2→M3→M4)NOTE• When driving slowly, the gears maynot shift up depending on vehiclespeed.• In manual shift mode, gears do notshift up automatically. Don’t run theengine with the tachometer needlein the RED ZONE. If thetachometer needle enters the REDZONE, you may feel enginebrakingbecause the fuel deliverywill be stopped to protect theengine. However, this does notindicate an abnormality.• Gears may not be shifted from M1to M2 right after shifting the leverfrom D to M. Wait a few secondsand then shift up to M2.• When depressing the acceleratorfully, the transmission will shift to alower gear, depending on vehiclespeed.To shift up to a higher gear with the shiftlever, tap the shift lever back (+) once.To shift up to a higher gear with thesteering shift switches, tap either of theUP switches toward you once with yourfingers.UP switchesWARNINGHand Position When Using SteeringShift Switches:Putting your hands inside the rim ofthe steering wheel when using thesteering shift switches is dangerous.If the driver air bag were to deploy ina collision, your hands could beimpacted causing injury. Keep yourhands on the steering wheel rim whenusing fingers or thumbs on thesteering shift switches.5-13Form No. 8R65-EA-03C