When Driving Automatic Transaxle Direct Mode (Some Models)

Automatic Transaxle

Automatic Transaxle Controls

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Automatic Transaxle Controls

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).

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Shift-Lock System

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Shift-Lock System

Shift-Lock System

The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift from P:

Depress and hold the brake pedal.
Start the engine.
Press and hold the lock-release button.
Move the selector lever.

When the ignition is switched to ACC or the ignition is switched off, the selector lever cannot be shifted from P.
The ignition cannot be switched to OFF if the selector lever is not in P.

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When Driving Automatic Transaxle Shift-Lock System

Shift-Lock Override

If the selector lever will not move from P using the proper shift procedure, continue to hold down the brake pedal.

Remove the shift-lock override cover using a cloth-wrapped flat head screwdriver.
Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
Press and hold the lock-release button.
Move the selector lever.

Take the vehicle to an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer to have the system checked.

Transaxle Ranges

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Transaxle Ranges

Transaxle Ranges

The shift position indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
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.
Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transaxle.

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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).

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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.

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Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle damage.

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Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the selector lever from N to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

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D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transaxle will automatically shift through a 4-gear (4-speed transaxle model)/6-gear (6-speed transaxle model) 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).

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Transaxle Ranges

Shift Position Indication

The selector position is indicated when the ignition is switched ON.

Gear position indication

In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication illuminates and the numeral for the selected gear is displayed.

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Transaxle Ranges

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) (Some Models)

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.

Manual Shift Mode

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Manual Shift Mode

Manual Shift Mode

The manual shift mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by allowing you to operate the selector lever manually. This allows you to control engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels much like a manual transaxle when more control is desired.

To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M.

Changing to manual shift mode while driving will not damage the transaxle.

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To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D.

If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
(6-speed transaxle model)

If you change to manual shift mode without depressing the accelerator pedal when driving in D range, 5th gear/6th gear, the gear will shift to M4/M5.

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When Driving Automatic Transaxle Manual Shift Mode

Indicators

Manual shift mode indication

In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication in the instrument panel illuminates.

Gear position indication

The numeral for the selected gear illuminates.

Type A

Type B

Type C

If the gears cannot be shifted down when driving at higher speeds, the gear position indication will flash twice to signal that the gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the transaxle).
If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) temperature becomes too high, there is the possibility that the transaxle will switch to automatic shift mode, cancelling manual shift mode and turning off the gear position indication illumination. This is a normal function to protect the AT. After the ATF temperature has decreased, the gear position indication illumination turns back on and driving in manual shift mode is restored.

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When Driving Automatic Transaxle Manual Shift Mode

Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) (Some Models)

The gear shift indicator supports you to obtain optimum fuel economy and smooth driving. It displays the selected gear position in the instrument cluster as well as notifies the driver to change to the most suitable gear position corresponding to the actual driving condition.

Indication	Condition
Numeral	The selected gear position is displayed.
and numeral	Shift up or down to the indicated gear position is recommended.

Do not rely solely on the shift-up/shift-down recommendations by indications. The actual driving situation might require shift operations different from indication. To avoid the risk of accidents, the road and traffic conditions have to be judged correctly by the driver before shifting.

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The gear shift indicator turns off when the following operations are performed.

The vehicle is stopped.
Manual shift mode is cancelled.

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Direct Mode (Some Models)

When Driving Automatic Transaxle Direct Mode (Some Models)

Direct Mode (Some Models)

Direct mode can be used for temporarily switching gears by operating the steering shift switch while the vehicle is being driven with the selector lever in the D range.

While in direct mode, the D and M indication illuminate and the gear position in use is illuminated.

Direct mode is cancelled (released) under the following conditions.

The UP switch () is pulled rearward for a certain amount of time or longer.
The vehicle is driven for a certain amount of time or longer (time differs depending on the driving conditions while operating).
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a slow speed.

Type A

Type B

Type C

Shifting up and down while in direct mode may not be possible depending on the vehicle speed. In addition, because direct mode is cancelled (released) depending on the rate of acceleration or if the accelerator is fully depressed, use of the manual shift mode is recommended if you need to drive the vehicle in a particular gear for long periods.

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Driving Tips