
WARNING: Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the
master cylinder fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder
runs dry, this may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer to Brake fluidin
this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water
and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specifications in theCapacities and specifications chapter.
Maintenance and care
170

For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.WARNING: To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic
bottle). Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins
to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, run the engine for a few minutes to
mix the coolant. Check the coolant concentration. Make sure the engine
is off and cool before removing the coolant pressure relief cap (see
preceding steps on cap removal). Check the concentration per the
Checking Engine Coolant section. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34ÉF/±36ÉC), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentraction. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
Maintenance and care
174

However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
working near the battery, always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
Maintenance and care
180

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
² Avoid running out of fuel.
² Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
² Have the items listed in your service maintenance section performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Mazda authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda parts in
performance and durability.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and care
198

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Informationº for complete emission
warranty information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to the
description in the Warning lights and chimes section of the
Instrumentation chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
² First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
² Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
199

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................83, 88and child safety seats ..............85
description ..........................83, 88
disposal ......................................92
driver air bag ......................86, 90
indicator light ...............10, 87, 91
operation .............................86, 90
passenger air bag ...............86, 90
side air bag ................................88
Air cleaner filter .......................182
Air conditioning ..........................20
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road ...................19, 120
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................171
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................107±108
Anti-theft system ........................65 arming the system ....................65
disarming a triggered system ..66
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........23
Automatic transaxle .................111 driving with .............................113
fluid, adding ............................177
fluid, checking ........................177
Automatic transmission fluid, refill capacities ..............212
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle refill capacities ........................212 B
Battery .......................................179
acid, treating emergencies .....179
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....147
maintenance-free ....................179
servicing ..................................179
Brakes ........................................107 anti-lock ...........................107±108
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 108
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....169
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
fluid, specifications .................214
lubricant specifications ..........214
parking ....................................109
shift interlock ..........................111
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....212
Cargo cover .................................55
Certification Label ....................216
Child safety restraints ................92 child safety belts ......................92
Child safety seats ..................93±94 attaching with tether straps ....97
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
LATCH .......................................99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............206 engine compartment ..............208
exterior ....................................207
exterior lamps .........................209
instrument panel ....................210
Index
225

interior .....................................210
mirrors .....................................211
plastic parts ............................209
safety belts ..............................211
washing ....................................206
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................209
windows ..................................211
wiper blades ............................209
woodtone trim ........................211
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............20
Clock ......................................28, 37
Clutch fluid ..........................................170
operation while driving ..........116
recommended shift speeds ....117
Console ........................................53 overhead ....................................46
Controls power seat .................................68
Coolant checking and adding ..............171
refill capacities ................175, 212
specifications ..........................214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................40
Customer Assistance ........217±218
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................49
Defrost rear window ..............................19
Dipstick automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................177 engine oil .................................165
Doors door ajar warning .....................12
Driving under special
conditions ..................................123 mud ..........................................122
sand .........................................122
snow and ice ...................122, 124
through water .................122, 126
E
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................147
Emission control system ..........198
Engine ........................................214 check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................208
coolant .....................................171
idle speed control ...................179
lubrication specifications .......214
refill capacities ........................212
service points ..................163±164
starting after a collision .........134
Engine block heater .................105
Engine oil ..................................165 checking and adding ..............165
dipstick ....................................165
filter, specifications ................168
recommendations ...................168
refill capacities ........................212
specifications ..........................214
Exhaust fumes ..........................106
F
Fluid capacities .........................212
Foglamps .....................................50
Index
226

Four-Wheel Drive vehiclesdescription ..............................120
driving off road .......................121
indicator light ...................12, 121
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................110
Fuel ............................................189 calculating fuel economy .......194
cap .....................................14, 193
capacity ...................................212
choosing the right fuel ...........192
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................197
detergent in fuel .....................193
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................189, 193, 195
filter, specifications ................194
fuel pump shut-off switch .....134
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........194
low fuel warning light ................9
octane rating ...................192, 214
quality ......................................192
running out of fuel .................193
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................189
Fuses ..................................135±136
G
Garage door opener ....................47
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......14, 193
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................194
Gauges .........................................15 engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................16 tachometer ................................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....124 calculating ...............................126
definition .................................124
driving with a heavy load ......124
location ....................................124
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................124 calculating .......................124, 126
definition .................................124
driving with a heavy load ......124
location ....................................124
H
Hazard flashers .........................134
Head restraints ...........................69
Headlamps ...................................49 aiming ......................................205
bulb specifications ..................204
daytime running lights .............49
flash to pass ..............................50
high beam ...........................11, 50
replacing bulbs .......................200
turning on and off ....................49
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................20 heating and air conditioning
system .......................................20
Hood ..........................................162
I
Ignition .................................39, 214
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .................93±94
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................199
Index
227