2002 MAZDA MODEL B3000 4WD coolant reservoir

A50/50 mixture of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
• maximum cooling system efficiency.
• freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
• boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
• protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
• 2.3L engine
• 3.0L & 4.0L engines
When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
RADIATOR COOLANT ONLY
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•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
• Refer to the service maintenance section for service interval
schedules.
• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.
WARNING: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Use only Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant or a premium engine
coolant that meets a Mazda specification.
• DO NOT USE Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color).
• DO NOT USE a DEX-COOL engine coolant or an equivalent
engine coolant.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine
coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
• DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine’s cooling system.
• DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant
together in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system.
• The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s
engine cooling system. If you are unsure which type of coolant
your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer.
WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid reservoir. If engine coolant is sprayed onto the windshield,
it could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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247

When the engine is cool, add a50/50 mixtureof engine coolant and
distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir, until the coolant is at the
“cold fill level” or within the “cold fill range” as listed in the engine
coolant reservoir (depending upon application).
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you mustreplace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill level” or within the
“cold fill range” as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
WARNING: To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being
released from the engine cooling system, never remove the
reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. Failure to
follow this warning may result in damage to the engine’s cooling
system and possible severe personal injury.
If you must remove the coolant cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury: 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Mazda
specification. Use of a recycled engine coolant which does not meet
Mazda specifications may harm engine and cooling system components.
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248

Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Refill capacities in this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36° C [–34° F]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
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249

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the service maintenance
section for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range.
Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine, check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
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