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
INSIDE WINDOWS
Use glass cleaner for the inside windows if they become fogged.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE SAFETY BELTS
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets.
WARNING: Do not bleach or dye the belts, because these
actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Contact your local Mazda dealership for a list of Mazda-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Cleaning
223
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your service maintenance section performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the service maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Mazda or Mazda-authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda Motor
Corporation parts in performance and durability.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Maintenance and Specifications
259
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
Lumbar support, seats .............112
M
Manual transmission .................161
fluid capacities ........................273
lubricant specifications ..........277
reverse .....................................163
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................90
cleaning ...................................221
side view mirrors (power) .......93
Motorcraft parts ........................255
O
Octane rating ............................254
Odometer .....................................22
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................238
Overdrive .....................................97
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................104
Parking brake ............................154
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................187
Power door locks ......................102
Power steering ..........................155
fluid, checking and adding ....261
fluid, refill capacity ................273
fluid, specifications .........276±277
Power Windows ...........................89
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................156R
Radio ................................23, 48, 57
Radio reception ...........................71
Relays ........................................183
Remote entry system .......102, 104
illuminated entry ....................103
locking/unlocking
doors ................................102±104
panic alarm .............................104
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................105
replacing the batteries ...........105
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............19, 113±116, 118
Safety defects, reporting ..........217
Safety restraints ................113±118
belt minder .............................121
cleaning the safety
belts .................................124, 223
extension assembly ................120
for adults .........................114±116
for children .....................135±136
lap belt ....................................119
warning light and
chime ...................16, 19, 120±121
Safety seats for children ..........137
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............113
Seats ..........................................111
child safety seats ....................137
cleaning ...................................222
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................106±107, 109
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Index
285
W
Warning chimes ...........................19
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................237
Washing your vehicle ................218
Water, Driving through .............169
Waxing your vehicle .................218Windows
power .........................................89
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....237
checking and cleaning ..............86
operation ...................................86
replacing wiper blades .............87
Wrecker towing .........................206
Index
287