WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS
Rotate the windshield wiper control
to the desired interval, low or high
speed position.
The bars of varying length are for
intermittent wipers. When in this
position rotate the control upward
for fast intervals and downward for
slow intervals.
Push (tap) the end of the stalk
briefly for a single swipe (no wash).
Push and hold for three swipes with
wash. Push and hold for a longer
wash (up to ten seconds).
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.
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.
Driver Controls
86
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.
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
Pull the tilt steering control toward
you to move the steering wheel up
or down. Hold the control while
adjusting the wheel to the desired
position, then release the control to
lock the steering wheel in position.
Driver Controls
87
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt
are difficult to remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
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,
windshield and rear window.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
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 inCleaning the wiper blades, windshield
and rear window.
Cleaning
218
²4.0L Engine
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
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 MIRRORS
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
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.
Cleaning
221
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.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the air bag system. The air bag may not
function correctly and not provide the injury reduction
benefits.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LENS
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
CLEANING SEATS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the seat where the side air bag is mounted. Such
products could contaminate the side air bag system and affect
performance of the side air bag in a collision. The air bag may
not function correctly and not provide injury reduction
benefits.
Cleaning
222
While operating your vehicle
²Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
²Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
²Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or ªpullsº to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
²When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
²If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
²Check automatic transmission Park function.
²Check parking brake.
At least monthly
²Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
²Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
²Check engine oil level.
²Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
²Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
²Check and clean body and door drain holes.
²Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
²Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
²Check parking brake for proper operation.
²Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
²Check air pressure in spare tire.
²Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
²Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
²Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
²Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
²Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Maintenance and Specifications
231
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
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 specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
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.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
237
Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
in front seat ............................139
in rear seat ..............................139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............223
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ............................219, 223
exterior lamps .........................221
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
mirrors .....................................221
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......72, 74
Clock ....................26, 33, 47, 55, 68
Clutch
fluid ..........................................263
operation while driving ..........161
recommended shift speeds ....162
Compass, electronic ..............90±91
calibration .................................92
set zone adjustment .................91
Console ........................................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............246
refill capacities ................249, 273
specifications ..................276±277
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................93Customer
Assistance ..........180, 207±208, 211
Getting roadside assistance ...180
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................77
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................263
engine oil .................................238
Doors
door ajar warning .....................18
lubricant specifications ..........276
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..........................167±168
mud ..........................................167
sand .........................................167
snow and ice ...........................168
through water .................167, 169
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................277
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................14
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................246
idle speed control ...................244
lubrication
specifications ..................276±277
refill capacities ........................273
service points ..................234±236
Index
282