
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, only use a Genuine Mazda air filter
element. WARNING: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element 1. Loosen the clamp that secures the air inlet tube to the engine air filter cover and disconnect the tube from the cover.
2. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
3. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
4. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
5. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or debris and to ensure good sealing.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
182

6. Install a new air filter element.
Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air
filter housing and cover. This
could cause filter damage and
allow unfiltered air to enter the
engine if not properly seated.
7. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
8. Replace the air inlet tube and secure the clamp.
WARNING: Failure to use the correct air filter element may
result in severe engine damage. The customer warranty may be
voided for any damage to the engine if the correct air filter
element is not used.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Maintenance and care
183

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. See your authorized Mazda dealer for more
information on tire cables and other traction devices for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
² Avoid overloading your vehicle.
² Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed.
² Do not use cables on dry roads.
² The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
² Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Mazda approved methods of
traction control.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and care
189

After refueling, if the ªCHECK FUEL CAPº indicator comes on and stays
on when you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it securely. The indicator should turn off after three
driving cycles with the fuel filler cap properly installed. A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine start-up followed by mixed city/highway driving.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Mazda fuel filler cap is not used.WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the
fuel system or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision,
which may result in possible personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized Mazda dealership. Refer
to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1, 600 km (1, 000 miles) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3, 000 km±5, 000 km (2, 000 miles-3, 000 miles).
Maintenance and care
194

4. Remove the rubber boot fromthe lamp assembly by pulling on
one of the tabs.
5. Squeeze the retainer spring together releasing it from bulb
hooks and rotate it away from
the bulb.
6. Without turning, carefully pull bulb out of headlamp assembly.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb
carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb
only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from
your hands could cause the bulb
to break the next time the
headlamps are operated.
NOTE: If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used. 7. Insert the glass end of the new bulb into the headlamp assembly. When the bulb's three metal tabs are aligned with the grooves in the
plastic base, push the bulb into the lamp assembly until the bulb's
metal base contacts the rear of the lamp assembly.
8. Rotate the retainer spring over the bulb plastic base and secure it on the bulb hooks.
Maintenance and care
201

OWNER'S MANUAL:
This booklet contains information regarding the proper care and
operation of your vehicle. This is not a technician's manual.
Please note that your Authorized Mazda Dealership has trained
personnel and special service tools to correctly and safely
maintain Mazda vehicles.
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle's applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 29 000 km (18 000 miles), whichever occurs
first:1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or
safety of the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
Customer assistance
223

O
Octane rating ............................192
Odometer .....................................17
Off-Road Driving .......................121
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................165
Overdrive ...................................112
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................57
Parking .......................................118
Parking brake ............................109
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................139
Power door locks ........................52
Power steering ..........................110fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacity ................212
fluid, specifications .................214
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................110
R
Radio ............................................23
Rear window defroster ...............19
Relays ........................................135
Remote entry system ...........56±57 illuminated entry ......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........57
panic alarm ...............................57
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................59
replacing the batteries .............58 Roof rack ...................................131
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................14, 74±79
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints ....................74±79
cleaning the safety belts ..82, 211
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................75±78
for children ...............................92
lap belt ......................................79
warning light and chime ...10, 14, 80±81
Safety seats for children ......93±94
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............74
Seats ............................................67 child safety seats ................93±94
cleaning ...................................210
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...................61±63
Servicing your vehicle ..............160
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications .......214
Special notice ................................3 utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................214
Speed control ..............................40
Speedometer ...............................16
Starting your vehicle ........102, 105 jump starting ..........................147
Index
229