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.

NOTE
Changing to manual shift mode while driving will not damage the transaxle.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift the lever from M to D.
NOTE
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
IndicatorsMazda 6 Owners Manual: Clock spring removal/installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the driver-side air bag module. (See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
3. Remove the steering wheel. (See STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
4. Remove the column cover.
5. Remove in the order indicated in the t ...
Mazda 6 Owners Manual: Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected
If any of the following warning lights or the indicator light turns on/flashes,
the system may have a malfunction. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have your
vehicle inspected.
...