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3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
WARNING: The cooling fan is automatic and may come on at
any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the
battery before working near the fan.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel near the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle
and release the auxiliary latch
that is located under the front
center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it
with the prop rod.
Maintenance and Specifications
233
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
Maintenance and Specifications
234
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3.0L V6 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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Maintenance and Specifications
235
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4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
8. Battery
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
11. Engine coolant reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
236
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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
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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
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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
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