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BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance section for
the service interval schedules.1. Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from a clean un-opened
container until the level reaches
MAX. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to meet Mazda specifications.
Refer to Lubricant
specifications in theCapacities
and specifications chapter.
DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available,
DOT 4 fluid can be used.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING: If you use DOT 5 or any other brake fluid that is
not DOT 3 or DOT 4, you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
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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.
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4. Check the fluid level in thereservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not
add fluid if the level is in this
range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines.
Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
MAXMIN
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WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process: 1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
NOTE:
² The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
² If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
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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.
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5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fueleconomy:
Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers
traveled.
Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
² Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
² Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
² Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
² Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
² Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
² Slow down gradually.
² Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
² Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
² Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
² You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
² Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
² Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
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BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
² Fog lamps (if equipped)
² High-mount brakelamp
² Brake lamps
² Turn signals
² License plate lamp
² Tail lamps
² Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs 1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by
pulling rearward.
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9. Install rubber boot on the lamp assembly.
10. Connect the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base until it ªsnaps.º
Replacing brake/tail/turn/backup lamps bulbs
The brake/tail/turn/backup lamp bulbs are located in the tail lamp
assembly, one just below the other. Follow the same steps to replace
either bulb:
1. Open the liftgate to expose the lamp assemblies.
2. Remove the two screws from the lamp assembly.
3. Carefully remove the lamp assembly by pulling it rearward.
4. Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove
from lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket and push in the new
bulb.
6. To complete installation, follow the removal procedure in
reverse order.
Replacing front position lamp bulbs
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood. The position lamps are located on the bottom half ofeach headlamp.
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