
GAUGES
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº).
If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool.Refer to
Engine coolant in theMaintenance and care chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot, this may result in serious burns.
NOTE: This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not
the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge
indication will not be accurate.
CHECK FUELCAP
Instrumentation
15

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Manual heating and air conditioning system
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of air circulated
in the vehicle.
Temperature control knob
Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle.
Mode selector control
Controls the direction of the airflow
to the inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes
except
,, and. However, the air conditioning will only
function if the outside temperature is about 6ÉC (43ÉF) or higher.
Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under
the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you
have stopped the vehicle.
Under normal conditions, your vehicle's climate control system should be
left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the vehicle to ªbreatheº through the outside air inlet
duct.
A/C OFFMAX
A/C
A/C OFFMAX
A/C
Controls and features
20

NOTE:In snowy or dirty conditions, leave the mode selector in the OFF
position.
²MAX A/C- Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier
than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle
faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode
can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the
vehicle.
² A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C
but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers.
²
(Panel)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel
registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside
temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this
mode.
² OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short
periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from
entering the vehicle.
²
(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument
panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating capabilities are provided in
this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature
control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold
positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly
warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers. However,
the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the
air conditioning does not operate in this mode.
²
(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air
through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the
outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
²
(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort,
when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full
hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts
will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defrost
ducts. If the temperature is about 6ÉC (43ÉF) or higher, the air
conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.
Controls and features
21

Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized Mazda dealer inspect and fix
your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust
fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
² the vehicle is raised for service.
² the sound of the exhaust system changes.
² the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
NOTE: Improve vehicle ventilation
by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.
Starting
106

WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with green-colored Mazda
Premium Engine Coolant meeting Mazda Specifications. To determine
your vehicle's coolant type (color), check your coolant reservoir.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system
and maintain the warranty on the cooling system:
² Add Mazda Premium Engine Coolant or the type of coolant
originally equipped in your vehicle. If you are unsure which type
of coolant your vehicle requires, check your coolant reservoir or
contact your local dealer.
² Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Mazda Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Mazda
specifications with the factory-filled coolant. Mixing Mazda
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life
product with your factory filled coolant can result in degraded
corrosion protection.
² A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
² Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
² Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
² Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a
Mazda-approved recycling process (see Use of Recycled Engine
Coolant section.
Maintenance and care
173

If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage).
Recycled engine coolant
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets
Mazda recommend coolants. Use of a recycled engine coolant
which does not meet the Mazda recommended coolant, may harm
engine and cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
to Refill capacities in theCapacities and specifications chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
² it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
² NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
² increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
² refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
² it is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
² NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
Maintenance and care
175

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. Ifnecessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine
compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specifications section in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
Maintenance and care
178

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