Automatic Transaxle
Automatic Transaxle Controls

The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transaxle that gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transaxle to shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transaxle functions as a traditional automatic, you should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (Search).
Shift-Lock Override
If the selector lever will not move from P using the proper shift procedure, continue to hold down the brake pedal.
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Remove the shift-lock override cover using a cloth-wrapped flat head screwdriver.
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Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
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Press and hold the lock-release button.
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Move the selector lever.
Take the vehicle to an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer to have the system checked.
Transaxle Ranges
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The shift position indication in the instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
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The selector lever must be in P or N to operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the selector lever to P and set the parking brake:
Only setting the selector 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.
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Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transaxle.
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Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transaxle.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only backward. You must be at a complete stop before shifting to or from R, except under rare circumstances as explained in Rocking the Vehicle (Search).
(With parking sensor system)
When the selector lever is shifted to the R position with the ignition switched ON, the parking sensor system is activated and a beep sound is heard.
Refer to Parking Sensor System (Search).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or brakes are on.
If the engine is running faster than idle, do not shift from N or P into a driving gear:
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.
Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle:
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. Doing so can cause transaxle damage.
Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the selector lever from N to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence.
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position. Gears can be shifted up or down by operating the selector lever. Refer to Manual Shift Mode (Search).
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) automatically controls the transaxle shift points to best suit the road conditions and driver input. This improves driving feel. The transaxle may switch to AAS mode when driving up and down slopes, cornering, driving at high elevations, or depressing the accelerator pedal quickly while the selector lever is in the D position. Depending on the road and driving conditions/vehicle operations, gear shifting could be delayed or not occur, however, this does not indicate a problem because the AAS mode will maintain the optimum gear position.
Second Gear Fixed Mode
Driving Tips
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction opposite to the direction selected by the selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with the selector lever in a forward position, or do not let the vehicle move forward with the selector lever in the reverse position. Otherwise, the engine may stop, causing the loss of the power brake and power steering functions, and make it difficult to control the vehicle which could result in an accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress the accelerator fully. The transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed.
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The accelerator pedal may initially feel heavy as it is being depressed, then feel lighter as it is depressed further. This change in pedal force aids the engine control system in determining how much the accelerator pedal has been depressed for performing kickdown, and functions to control whether or not kickdown should be performed.
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While the selector lever is in the M position and the TCS is turned off, manual shift mode does not switch to automatic shift mode even if the accelerator pedal is completely depressed. Operate the selector lever.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped position:
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Depress the brake pedal.
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Shift to D or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness.
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Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to lower gears, depending on load weight and grade steepness. Descend slowly, using the brakes only occasionally to prevent them from overheating.