4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don’t race the engine.
•Don’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
•Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
•Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
•Avoid full-throttle starts.How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
•Avoid fast starts.
•Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
•Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
•Slow down on rough roads.
•Keep the tires properly inflated.
•Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
•Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
•Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
•Keep windows closed at high speeds.
•Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
Turning off the engine to coast down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control. Any loss of steering or
braking control could cause an
accident. Never turn off the engine
and coast down a hill.
WARNING
J76Y.book Page 6 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
6-2
Interior Comfort
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Climate Control System
Operating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
Clearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowling grille to improve the system
efficiency.
Foggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the air
conditioner to dehumidify the air.
Outside/Recirculated Air
Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
can be used temporarily when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
Parking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
Not Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner at least once a
month to keep internal parts lubricated.
Check the Refrigerant before
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The optional air conditioner is filled with
R134a, a refrigerant that will not damage
the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Replacement of the Cabin Air
Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
Operating Tips
J76Y.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
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
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
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
8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Schedule 2
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.
*2: If the vehicle is operated in cold districts { below -18 degrees C (0 degrees F) }, replace the timing belt at
96,000km (60,000miles).
Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
ItemNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 Km 8 1624324048566472808896
(×1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
Engine valve clearanceMiller 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 DOHC
*2Inspect at 96,000km (60,000miles)
Replace every 168,000km (105,000miles)
Miller Cycle Engine
V6 DOHCReplace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Engine oilPuerto RicoReplace every 5,000km (3,000miles) or 3 months
othersRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Idle speedI I
Fuel lines and hoses
*1I I
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Air filter
I *1R
I *1R
Spark plugs 2.5 liter V6 DOHCReplace every 48,000km (30,000miles)
Miller Cycle Engine
V6 DOHCReplace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Function of all lightsIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Brake fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Automatic transaxle fluid levelII
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesII
J76Y.book Page 5 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
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
Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
ItemNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 Km 8 1624324048566472808896
(×1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Body inspection (paint, corrosion)IIIIIIIIIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air-filter (if installed)Replace once year or every 20,000km (12,000miles)
J76Y.book Page 6 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
8-7
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Owner Maintenance
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.
When Refueling
•Brake fluid level (page 8-15)
•Engine coolant level (page 8-12)
•Engine oil level (page 8-10)
•Washer fluid level (page 8-19)
At Least Monthly
•Tire inflation pressures (page 8-25)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-17)
•Power steering fluid level (page 8-16)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
•Air filter (page 8-20)
•Engine coolant (page 8-12)
•Engine oil (page 8-11)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
J76Y.book Page 7 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM