•Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
• When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard to push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
• Check automatic transmission Park function.
• Check parking brake.
At least monthly
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
• Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
• Check engine oil level.
• Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
• Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
• Check power steering fluid level.
• Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
• Check and clean body and door drain holes.
• Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
• Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
• Check parking brake for proper operation.
• Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
• Check air pressure in spare tire.
• Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
• Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
• Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Maintenance and Specifications
231
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specification . Refer to
Lubricant specifications in 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
attaching with tether straps ..140
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ......................136, 139
LATCH .....................................145
tether anchorage hardware ...140
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............219
exterior ....................................223
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
mirrors .....................................221
plastic parts ............................221
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......68–69
Clock ....................24, 31, 44, 52, 64
Clutch fluid ..........................................263
operation while driving ..........162
recommended shift speeds ....164
Compass, electronic ..............86–87 calibration .................................88
set zone adjustment .................87
Console ........................................94
Coolant checking and adding ..............245
refill capacities ................249, 272
specifications ..................275–276
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................89
Customer
Assistance ..........181, 207–208, 211 Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................223
Getting roadside assistance ...181 D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................263
engine oil .................................238
Doors door ajar warning .....................16
lubricant specifications ..........275
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..........................168–169 mud ..........................................168
sand .........................................168
snow and ice ...........................169
through water .................168, 170
E
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................201
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................276 check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................12
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................245
idle speed control ...................243
lubrication
specifications ..................275–276
refill capacities ........................272
service points ..................234–236
starting after a collision .........182
Engine block heater .................152
Engine oil ..................................238 checking and adding ..............238
dipstick ....................................238
Index
281
Special noticeambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................275–276
Speed control ..............................89
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your vehicle ........148–150 jump starting ..........................201
Steering wheel controls ................................83, 89
tilting .........................................83
T
Tachometer .................................20
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................68
Tether anchors ..........................140
Tires ...........................194, 268–269 changing ..................194–195, 198
checking the pressure ............269
replacing ..................................270
rotating ....................................269
snow tires and chains ............271
tire grades ...............................269
treadwear ................................268
Towing .......................................172 recreational towing .................179
trailer towing ..........................172
wrecker ....................................206
Traction-lok rear axle ...............157
Transfer case fluid checking .........................267 Transmission
automatic operation ...............158
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................263
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................266
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
lubricant specifications ..275–276
manual operation ....................162
Trip odometer .............................20
Turn signal ............................16, 75
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................276
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................278
Vehicle loading ..........................170 camper bodies ........................180
Ventilating your vehicle ...........153
W
Warning chimes ...........................17
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................237
Water, Driving through .............170
Windows power .........................................85
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers checking and adding fluid .....237
checking and cleaning ..............82
operation ...................................82
replacing wiper blades .............83
Wrecker towing .........................206
Index
285