4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside
mirror (s), and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
• Is everyone ’s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J94S.book Page 6 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes)should be inspected before
the engine is started (page 5-23).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-23).
Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when
any door is opened. 1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not pushed down all the
way.
J94S.book Page 3 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
5-8
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern
The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to reverse. The shift lever
must be put in neutral before being shifted
to reverse.
Manual Transaxle
Operation
• Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don ’t use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. This will
avoid needless clutch wear and
damage.
• Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to
reverse.
Shifting to reverse while the vehicle
is still moving may damage the
transaxle.
Neutral position
CAUTION
NOTE
If shifting to reverse is difficult, shift
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
J94S.book Page 8 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
To Cancel
To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Push the OFF end of the CRUISE
MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal.
The system is off when the ignition is off. The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
TCS and Unsafe Driving:The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don
’t rely on the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tires chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and snow.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 16 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
8-1
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction ................................................................................. 8- 2
Introduction ............................................................................. 8- 2
Scheduled Maintenance .............................................................. 8- 3
Scheduled Maintenance ........................................................... 8- 3
Owner Maintenance .................................................................... 8- 7
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8- 7
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8- 8
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8- 9
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-10
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-13
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-15
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-17
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-18
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-20
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-21
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-21
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-22
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-24
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-25
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-29
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-35
Appearance Care ......................................................................... 8-40
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-40
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-42
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-45
J94S.book Page 1 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Schedule 2
I : Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
(Oil-permeated air filter cannot be cleaned using the air-blow method.) R: Replace
L : Lubricate
*1: According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometrage (mileage) period to ensure long-term reliability.
*2: If the vehicle is operated in cold districts { below –18 degrees C (0 degrees F) }, replace the timing belt at 96,000km (60,000miles).
Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
Item Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 Km 8 1624324048566472808896
(×1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
Engine valve clearance I
Drive belts (tension) II
Engine timing belt
*2Inspect at 96,000km (60,000miles)
Replace every 168,000km (105,000miles)
Engine oil Puerto Rico
Replace every 5,000km (3,000miles) or 3 months
others RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant Replace at first 168,000km (105,000miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
Idle speed II
Air filter I
*1RI *1R
Fuel lines and hoses*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Spark plugs 2.0-liter engine
(non-PLATINUM tipped type)
RR
2.5-liter engine
(PLATINUM tipped type) Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Drum brakes II
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages II
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body IIII
Exhaust system heat shields II
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
08.fm Page 5 Monday, June 25, 2001 5:12 PM
8-7
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Owner Maintenance
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
• Brake and clutch fluid level (page 8-15)
• Engine coolant level (page 8-13)
• Engine oil level (page 8-11)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-20)
At Least Monthly
• Tire inflation pressures (page 8-26)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
• Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-18)
• Power steering fluid level (page 8-17)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
• Air filter (page 8-21)
• Engine coolant (page 8-13)
• Engine oil (page 8-11)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
J94S.book Page 7 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
8-9
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Engine Compartment Overview
2.0-liter engineAutomatic transaxle fluid-level
dipstick (only for automatic
transaxle)
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Battery Fuse block
Engine coolant
reservoirAir filter
Cooling system cap Engine oil-filler cap
Power steering fluid
reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir Engine oil dipstick
2.5-liter engine
Air filter
Cooling system cap
Engine coolant reservoir
Power steering fluid
reservoir
Battery
Fuse block
Automatic transaxle fluid-level
dipstick (only for automatic
transaxle)
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir Engine oil dipstick
J94S.book Page 9 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM