Page 169 of 244
7-15
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Emergency Towing
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
front wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
Towing Description
Wheel dollies
Don’t tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transaxle.
Don’t tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
CAUTION
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 15 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 170 of 244

7-16
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
If all four wheels are on the ground, the
vehicle may be towed only forward.
Don’t exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) and a
distance of 80 km (50 miles) ; you could
damage the transaxle.
If speed must exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) or
a towing distance of 80 km (50 miles), use
one of these methods:
•Place the front wheels on dollies.
•Tow with the front wheels off the
ground.
•Transport the vehicle on a flat bed
truck.
Towing Hook-Front
Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground.
1. Shift to neutral.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC
position.
3. Release the parking brake.
Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be
available when the engine is not
running.
CAUTION
Towing/Tiedown Hooks
•The towing hook should be used
only in an emergency (to get the
vehicle out of a ditch or a snow
bank, for example).
•When using the towing hook,
always pull the cable or chain in a
straight direction with respect to the
hook. Apply no sideways force.
•Don’t use the tiedown hooks under
the front for towing.
They are designed ONLY for tying
down the vehicle when it’s being
transported. Using them for towing
will damage the bumper.
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 16 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 171 of 244
7-17
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
To w i n g H o o k - R e a r
Tiedown Hooks
An example of “ recreational towing ” is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transaxle is not designed for towing
this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
“ Towing Description ” (page 7-15) and
“ Towing/Tiedown Hooks ” (page 7-16)
and carefully follow the instructions.
Recreational Towing
J76Y.book Page 17 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 172 of 244
7-18
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
J76Y.book Page 18 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 173 of 244

8-1
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction
................................................................................. 8- 2
Introduction ............................................................................. 8- 2
Scheduled Maintenance
.............................................................. 8- 3
Scheduled Maintenance ........................................................... 8- 3
Owner Maintenance
.................................................................... 8- 7
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8- 7
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8- 8
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8- 9
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-10
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-12
Brake Fluid .............................................................................. 8-15
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-16
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-17
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-19
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-19
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-20
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-21
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-23
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-24
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-28
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-34
Appearance Care
......................................................................... 8-38
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-38
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-40
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-43
J76Y.book Page 1 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 174 of 244

8-2
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Introduction
Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you’re unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you to have a reliable
and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for your vehicle.
Without this expertise and the parts that have been designed and made especially for your
Mazda, inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed as
prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as opposed to defective
materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda’s original equipment may
perform maintenance. But we recommend that it always be done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer using genuine Mazda parts.
Introduction
J76Y.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 175 of 244
8-3
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Scheduled Maintenance
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
•Repeated short-distance driving
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Driving with extended use of brakes
•Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
•Driving on rough or muddy roads
•Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
•Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Scheduled Maintenance
NOTE
After the described period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
J76Y.book Page 3 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 176 of 244

8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Schedule 1
I
: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
(Oil-permeated air filter cannot be cleaned using the air-blow method.)
R
: Replace
L
: Lubricate
*1: According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your
emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometrage (mileage) period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
ItemNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12182430364248
×1000 Km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
(×1000 Miles) (7.5) (15) (22.5) (30) (37.5) (45) (52.5) (60)
Engine valve clearance Miller Cycle
Engine V6 DOHCI
Drive belts (tension)2.5 liter V6 DOHCII
Miller Cycle
Engine V6 DOHCReplace every 168,000km (105,000miles)
Engine timing belt2.5 liter V6 DOHCInspect at 96,000km (60,000miles)
Replace every 168,000km (105,000miles)
Miller Cycle
Engine V6 DOHCReplace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000km (45,000miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Idle speedII
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Air filterRR
Spark plugs2.5 liter V6 DOHCReplace every 48,000km (30,000miles)
Miller Cycle
Engine V6 DOHCReplace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Disc brakesII
Automatic transaxle fluid levelII
Steering operation and linkagesII
Front and rear suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
Body inspection (paint, corrosion)IIIIIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air-filter (if installed)Replace once a year or every 20,000km (12,000miles)
J76Y.book Page 4 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM