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Special Operating
Conditions
Replace Engine Oil and Filter
Inspect Brake System
Replace Fuel Filter
Change Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replace Spark Plugs
Replace Engine Air Filter
Change Manual Transmission Fluid
Inspect and Lubricate U-Joints
Lubricate Front Wheel Bearing (4x2)
Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4)
Suggested Maintenance
Interval3,000
miles or
3 months 5,000
miles 15,000
miles 30,000
miles 60,000
miles As
required As
required As
required 30,000
miles 60,000
miles
Towing a trailer or
using a camper or
car top carrier X
X XX
Extensive idling or
low-speed driving
for long distances
as in heavy
commercial use
such as delivery,
taxi or patrol car X XXXX
XX
Operating in dusty
conditions such as
unpaved or dusty
roads X XX X
Off road operation XXX
For specific recommendations see your authorized Mazda dealer or
qualified service professional.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable
operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
While operating your vehicle
Maintenance and Specifications
230
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•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
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine1. 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 engine1. 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
11109
1234567
8
Maintenance and Specifications
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4.0L SOHC V6 engine1. 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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ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
• 2.3L I4 engine
Maintenance and Specifications
238
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5Traction-Lok axles use 2.2–2.4L (4.75–5.0 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4) SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axle SAE 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
engines SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic
Blend 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 tracks Multi-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) MERCON
AT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E) MERCONV AT F
2
Windshield washer fluid
Ultra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
Maintenance and Specifications
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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