Page 185 of 244

8-13
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
If it’s at or near LOW, add enough coolant
to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to FULL.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Changing Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).For mixture percentage:
To change coolant
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.
•Use only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant’s effectiveness.
•Don’t add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
•The engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
•DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol
or methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
•Don’t use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
CAUTION
CAUTION
ProtectionVo l u m e
Antifreeze
solutionWa t e r
Above −
16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above −
26°C (−
15°F) 45 55
Above −
40°C (−
40°F) 55 45
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap or
drain plug while the engine is
running or hot is dangerous. This
might lead to cooling system and
engine damage and could result in
serious injury from escaping hot
coolant or steam. Turn off the engine
and wait until it’s cool. Even then, be
very careful when removing the cap
or drain plug. Wrap a thick cloth
around it and slowly turn it
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you’re sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap — still
using a cloth — turn the cap, and
remove it.
WARNING
J76Y.book Page 13 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 186 of 244

8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
2.5 liter V6 DOHC
1. Remove the coolant filler cap.
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
4. Drain the system completely. Insert
and tighten the plug.
5. Fill the system (to the top of the filler
neck) and then the coolant reservoir (to
F) with as much ethylene-glycol-based
coolant and water as necessary to
provide protection from freezing and
corrosion.
In extremely cold climates, add the
amount recommended by the coolant
manufacturer.
6. Reinstall the coolant filler cap.
7. Run the engine at idle for about 10
minutes, then turn it off. If the coolant
level warning light comes on during
this time, turn the engine off.
After turning off the engine, inspect the
drain plug and the water hoses for
leaks.8. After the engine has cooled, remove
the coolant filler cap and inspect the
coolant level. If it’s low, repeat steps 5
to 7.
Because this procedure requires technical
expertise, we recommend that it be done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC
1. Remove the cooling system cap.
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
4. Drain the system completely. Insert
and tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant and
water as necessary to provide freezing
and corrosion protection.
5. In extremely cold climates, add the
amount recommended in the coolant
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
Tighten
Loosen Tighten
Loosen
TightenLoosen Coolant filler cap
Engine coolant
reservoir
Loosen
Tighten Tighten
Loosen
Cooling system cap
J76Y.book Page 14 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 187 of 244
8-15
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
7. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.
Inspecting Brake Fluid Level
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake linings. If it
is excessively low, have the brake system
inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Brake Fluid
J76Y.book Page 15 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 188 of 244

8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Adding Brake Fluid
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
Inspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on yourself or on the
engine.
Low Brake Fluid Levels:
Low brake fluid levels are dangerous.
Low levels could signal brake lining
wear or a brake system leak. Your
brakes could fail and cause an
accident. If you find a low fluid level,
have the brakes inspected.
•Brake fluid will damage painted
surfaces. If brake fluid does get on
a painted surface, wipe it off
immediately.
•Using nonspecified brake fluids
(page 10-4) will damage the system.
Mixing different fluids will also
damage it.
If the brake system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
CAUTION
Power Steering Fluid
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don’t operate the vehicle for
long periods when the power steering
fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
CAUTION
2.5 liter V6 DOHC
J76Y.book Page 16 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 189 of 244

8-17
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Inspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Idle the engine about two minutes.
Push down on the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges
and set it at P.
Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHCAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
•Low fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
•Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 17 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 190 of 244

8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the level must be between Full and
Low.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it doesn’t pass full.
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
WARNING
2.5 liter V6 DOHCFull
Low
Full
LowA
B
Full
Low Full
LowA
B
Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC
•Use the cold scale only as a
reference.
•If outside temperature is lower than
about 20°C (70°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
•If the vehicle has been driven for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect
the level only after stopping the
engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.
NOTE
Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 18 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 191 of 244
8-19
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.
Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather
to prevent it from freezing.All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the engine hood’s secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
Wa s h e r F l u i d
Substitute Washer Fluid:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident. Use only
windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir.
WARNING
Float
Body Lubrication
J76Y.book Page 19 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 192 of 244

8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
This air filter may be cleaned with
compressed air and reused, or replaced,
depending on its condition. Unless it is
very dirty, simply shake it to remove
foreign particles. Each time you inspect it,
wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a
damp cloth.
Replacing the Air Filter
1. Unfasten the clamps.2. Lift off the air filter cover and remove
the filter.
3. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing
with a damp cloth.
4. Clean or replace the filter.
5. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Air Filter
Don’t drive without an air filter. This
could result in excessive engine wear.
NOTE
If the vehicle is operated in very dusty
or sandy areas, replace the filter more
often than recommended intervals.
CAUTION
2.5 liter V6 DOHCClamp
Miller Cycle Engine
V6 DOHC
Clamp
Air filter cover
Air filter 2.5 liter V6 DOHC
Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC
Air filter Air filter cover
J76Y.book Page 20 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM