BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
from a clean un-opened
container until the level reaches
MAX. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Mazda specification . Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING: If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
262
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Mazda specification.
Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Maintenance and Specifications
263
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin 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 designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
264
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil2.3L engine 3.8L (4.0
quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5
quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil4.0L V6 engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Power steering
fluidMazda
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
Transmission
fluid
1Mazda
MERCONtAT F5-speed manual 2.65L (2.8
quarts)2
Mazda
MERCONtV
AT F4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 2.3L I4
engine9.4L (9.9
quarts)3
4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
engines9.5L (10.0
quarts)3
4x4 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L9.8L (10.3
quarts)3
Maintenance and Specifications
273
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4)SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axleSAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
Door weather strips Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6
enginesSAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches,
striker plates, fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracksMulti-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking
brake linkages and pivots, brake
and clutch pedal shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft spline
(manual transmission).Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual)MERCONtAT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E)MERCONtVATF
2
Windshield washer fluidUltra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. If submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your service maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
276
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................152
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................125
and child safety seats ............127
description ..............................125
disposal ....................................130
driver air bag ..........................128
indicator light ...................16, 129
operation .................................128
passenger air bag ...................128
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................130
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................74
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................246
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................152±153
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................18
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................23, 48, 57
Automatic transmission ............157
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................158
fluid, adding ............................263
fluid, checking ........................263
fluid, refill capacities ..............273
fluid, specification ..................277
Auxiliary power point ...........88, 98
Axle
lubricant specifications ..276±277
refill capacities ........................273
traction lok ..............................155B
Battery .......................................244
acid, treating emergencies .....244
charging system
warning light .............................17
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................244
servicing ..................................244
voltage gauge ............................21
Bed extender ..............................99
BeltMinder .................................121
Brakes ........................................152
anti-lock ...........................152±153
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........16, 153
brake warning light ..................15
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............273
fluid, specifications .........276±277
lubricant specifications ..276±277
parking ....................................154
shift interlock ..........................157
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................79
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....273
Cargo area shade ........................98
Cargo net .....................................98
CD-6 disc .....................................57
CD-single .....................................27
CD-single premium .....................48
Cell phone warning ...................280
Certification Label ....................278
Changing a tire .........................194
Index
281
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