Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Controls
The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transmission that gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transmission to shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transmission 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 System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting out of P unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift from P:
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Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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Start the engine.
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Press and hold the lock-release button.
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Move the selector lever.
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When the ignition is switched to ACC or the ignition is switched off, the selector lever cannot be shifted from P position.
-
The ignition cannot be switched to OFF if the selector lever is not in P position.
Shift-Lock Override
If the selector lever will not move from P position using the proper shift procedure, continue to hold down the brake pedal.
Type A
-
Remove the shift-lock override cover using a cloth-wrapped flat head screwdriver.
-
Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
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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.
Type B
-
Press the lock-release button with the button pressed.
-
Move the selector lever.
Take the vehicle to an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer to have the system checked.
Transmission Ranges
-
The shift position indication in the instrument cluster illuminates.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
-
The selector lever must be in P or N position to operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from rotating.
Always set the selector lever to P position 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.
-
Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is moving can damage your transmission.
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Shifting into a driving gear or reverse when the engine is running faster than idle can damage the transmission.
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 transmission 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 transmission damage.
Apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal before moving the selector lever from N position to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a stop, the transmission 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).
Shift Position Indication
The selector position is indicated when the ignition is switched ON.
If one of the following actions is performed, the selector position is displayed for 5 minutes even if the ignition switch is in a position other than ON.
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The ignition is switched OFF.
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The driver's door is opened.
Gear position indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift position indication illuminates and the numeral for the selected gear is displayed.
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) automatically controls the transmission shift points to best suit the road conditions and driver input. This improves driving feel. The transmission 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
The manual shift mode gives you the feel of driving a manual transmission 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 transmission when more control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the lever from D to M.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D.
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If you change to manual shift mode when the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
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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.
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.
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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 transmission).
Gear Shift Indicator (Some Models)
The GSI 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. |
|
|
Shift up or down to the indicated gear position is recommended. |
and numeral
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.
The GSI turns off when the following operations are performed.
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The vehicle is stopped.
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Manual shift mode is cancelled.
Manually Shifting Up
You can shift gears up by operating the selector lever or the steering shift switches (Some Models).
M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6
Using selector lever
To shift up to a higher gear, tap the selector lever back 
once.
Using steering shift switch (Some Models)
To shift up to a higher gear with the steering shift switches, pull the UP switch (
) toward you once with your fingers.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim when using fingers on the steering shift switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the steering wheel when using the steering shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's air bag were to deploy in a collision, your hands could be impacted causing injury.
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When driving slowly, the gears may not shift up.
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Do not drive the vehicle with the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE while in manual shift mode. In addition, manual shift mode switches to automatic shift mode while the accelerator pedal is completely depressed.
This function is cancelled while the DSC is turned off. However, if the vehicle is continuously driven at a high rpm, the gears may automatically shift up to protect the engine.
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The steering shift switch can be used temporarily even if the selector lever is in the D position while driving. In addition, it returns to automatic shift mode when the UP switch (
) is pulled rearward for a sufficient amount of time.
Second Gear Fixed Mode
When the selector lever is moved back while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or less, the transmission is set in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second while in this mode for easier acceleration from a stop and driving on slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.
If the selector lever is moved back or forward 
while in the second gear fixed mode, the mode will be cancelled.
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 position.
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.
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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.
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.
