Page 69 of 244
4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirror(s),
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels
should be inspected daily, weekly, or at
refueling, depending on the fluid. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J76Y.book Page 5 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 100 of 244

5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
If the light comes on while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-10). If it’s low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains on even after you add
oil, have your vehicle towed to the nearest
service station or to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
•The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
•The engine’s electrical system has a
problem.
•The emission control system has a
problem.
•The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light flashes
continuously, decrease your speed and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 26 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
Page 177 of 244

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
Page 178 of 244
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
Page 179 of 244

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
Page 181 of 244
8-9
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Engine Compartment Overview
2.5 liter V6 DOHC
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
Brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Fuse block Coolant filler cap
Air filter
Engine coolant reservoirCooling system cap Engine oil-filler cap
Power steering fluid
reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoirEngine oil dipstick
Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC
Air filter
Cooling system cap
Engine coolant reservoir Power steering fluid
reservoir
Battery
Fuse block Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
Brake fluid reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
J76Y.book Page 9 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
Page 182 of 244

8-10
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Recommended Oil
Oil container labels provide important
information.
The quality designation SG, SH, SJ,
SL,
or ILSAC
must be on the label.
Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an
effect on fuel economy and cold-weather
operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide
improved fuel economy and cold-weather
performance.
But high-temperature weather conditions
require higher-viscosity engine oils for
satisfactory lubrication.When choosing an oil, consider the
temperature range your vehicle will
operate in before the next oil change.
Then select the recommended viscosity
from this chart.
Energy conserving oils are recommended.
A chief contribution they make to fuel
economy is reducing the amount of fuel
necessary to overcome engine friction.
Inspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the
oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
Engine Oil
SAEFORGASOLINEENGINES10W-30
(ILSAC)
–30–20–100 1020304050
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-30
10W-30
Using oils of viscosity besides those
recommended for specific temperature
ranges could result in engine damage.
CAUTION
Full
LowOK
J76Y.book Page 10 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM