NOTE:State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should
be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.WARNING: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant
reservoir. Washer fluid placed in the cooling system may harm
engine and cooling system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the service maintenance section. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in the Adding Engine Coolant section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50±50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
² freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
² boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
² protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
² an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
Maintenance and care
171
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
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:1. Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and lock into the
service position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES
Refer to Windshield wiper blades in this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
² Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
Maintenance and care
184
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird
droppings should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible.
Deposits not removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's
paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper
blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades
and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which
appear coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial
car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described in Cleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
Genuine Mazda Touch-Up Paint. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Maintenance and care
207
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when
cleaning the engine.
² Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the
finish on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the
brushes are abrasive.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner. Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
or rear window is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with
water. The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
on a regular basis, and blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Maintenance and care
209
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
T
Tachometer .................................16
Tires ...........................142, 184±186changing ..........................142±143
checking the pressure ............186
replacing ..................................188
rotating ....................................186
snow tires and chains ............188
tire grades ...............................185
treadwear ................................185
Towing .......................................127 recreational towing .................131
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................153
Transaxle automatic operation ...............111
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................179
manual operation ....................116
Transmission fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................177
fluid, refill capacities ..............212
Turn signal ............................11, 50
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................214
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................216 Vehicle loading ..........................124
Ventilating your vehicle ...........106
W
Warning chimes ...........................14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................170
Water, Driving through .............126
Windows
power .........................................51
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers checking and adding fluid .....170
checking and cleaning ....183±184
liftgate reservoir .....................171
operation ...................................44
replacing wiper blades ...........184
Wrecker towing .........................153
Index
230