Mazda 3 Owners Manual: 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.
Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on
Transaxle Ranges
- The shift position indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on .
- 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.
| WARNING
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. |
CAUTION
|
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 .
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.
| WARNING
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. |
| CAUTION Do not shift into N when driving the vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle damage. |
NOTE 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 on .
Automatic Transaxle Controls
Various Lockouts:
Indicates that you must depress
the brake pedal and hold in the lock-release
button to shift (The ignition must be switched ON).
Indicates the shift lever can be
shifted ...
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 w ...
Other materials:
Active Driving Display
WARNING
Always adjust the display brightness and position with the vehicle
stopped:
Adjusting the display brightness and position while driving the vehicle
is dangerous as
doing so could distract your attention from the road ahead and lead to
an accident.
...
Inside Trunk Release Lever
(4-Door)
Your vehicle is equipped with an inside
trunk release lever that provides a means
of escape for children and adults in the
event they become locked inside the trunk.
No matter how careful adults might be
with keys and locking their cars, parents
should be aware that children may be
tempted ...
M Position Switch Inspection [FS5 A EL]
1. Perform the following procedures.
a. Remove the battery cover..
b. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
c. Remove the console..
d. Disconnect the selector lever component connector.
2. Inspect the continuity between the selector lever component terminals A and
H.
If ...
