Mazda CX-3: Automatic Transaxle / Transaxle Ranges

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2026) Owner's Manual / When Driving / Automatic Transaxle / Transaxle Ranges

The shift position indication in the instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights.
The selector lever must be in P or N position 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 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.

CAUTION

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.

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 position 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.

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...

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...

Other information:

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2026) Owner's Manual: Opening and Closing the Liftgate

Opening the liftgate with Electric liftgate opener Unlock the doors and liftgate, then press the electric liftgate opener on the liftgate and raise the liftgate when the latch releases. NOTE (With the advanced keyless function) A locked liftgate can also be opened while the key is being carried...

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2026) Owner's Manual: Daytime Running Lights

Some countries require moving vehicles to have their lights on (daytime running lights) during the daytime. The daytime running lights turn on automatically when the vehicle starts moving. They turn off when the parking brake is operated or the shift lever is shifted to the P position (automatic transaxle vehicle)...