4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
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 parking 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
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5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-9). 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.
ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, 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
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
J16L_EA.book Page 27 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Schedule 2
I
: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
(Oil-permeated air cleaner elements cannot be cleaned using the air-blow method.)
R
: Replace L
: Lubricate
*
1According 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.
*
2If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the spark plugs every 96,000
km(60,000 miles) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
d) Towing a trailer Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or
kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first)Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Engine oilPuerto RicoReplace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
OthersRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts II
PCV valve*
1I
Hoses and tubes for emission (Puerto Rico)I
Spark plugs (Platinum
tipped type)USAReplace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Others*
2Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Air filterPuerto RicoI R I R
OthersIR I
Fuel lines and hoses*
1I I
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Function of all lightsIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Brake fluidRR
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Refrigerant amountIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air filter (if equipped)Replace once a year or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
J16L_EA.book Page 5 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
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 8-13)
•Engine coolant level (page 8-11)
•Engine oil level (page 8-9)
•Washer fluid level (page 8-16)
At Least Monthly
•Tire inflation pressures (page 8-23)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-15)
•Power steering fluid level (page 8-14)
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 8-17)
•Engine coolant (page 8-11)
•Engine oil (page 8-10)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
J16L_EA.book Page 6 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Engine Compartment Overview
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
Cooling system cap
Engine coolant reservoir
Power steering
fluid reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick Engine oil-filler cap
Engine oil filterBatteryFuse blockAir filter Brake fluid reservoir
J16L_EA.book Page 8 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-9
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Recommended Oil
Oil container labels provide important
information.
The quality designation 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
FORGASOLINEENGINES
(ILSAC)
–30–20–100 1020304050
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-20
Using oils of viscosity besides those
recommended for specific temperature
ranges could result in engine damage.
CAUTION
MIN MAX
Full
LowOK
J16L_EA.book Page 9 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
It’s OK between MIN and MAX.
But if it’s near at or below MIN, add
enough oil to bring the level to MAX.
6. Make sure the O-ring is positioned
properly before reinserting the
dipstick.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3).
Please act responsibly—protect the
environment and take used oil to a
recycling facility. Ask your dealer or a
service station for information.Changing engine oil
1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes
and turn it off. Remove the oil-filler
cap.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil
into a suitable container.
3. Replace the plug tightly after the oil
has thoroughly drained.
4. Fill the engine with new oil to the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
5. Securely replace the oil-filler cap.
6. Start the engine and inspect around the
drain plug for leaks.
7. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the
oil to return to the oil pan. Don’t add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.
Handling Used Engine Oil:
Continuous contact with used engine
oil is dangerous. It could cause skin
cancer. Always wash with soap and
water immediately after changing oil
and filter.
Remove oil splatter from the exhaust
manifold, the exhaust pipe and the
shield. Oil left on these areas will
smoke when the engine is running.
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION
Checking or Changing Engine Oil:
Hot engine oil is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, the engine
oil becomes very hot. You could be
seriously burned. Don’t check or
change the engine oil when the
engine is hot.
WARNING
Tighten
Loosen
Front
Drain plug
J16L_EA.book Page 10 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
8-11
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Check the oil level and fill to the MAX
mark if necessary.
Oil capacity (General reference only,
refer to Specifications section for
capacities.)
Changing oil filter
Because you need a special tool to
retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer should do the work.
Inspecting Coolant Level
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year—at the beginning of the
winter season—and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool.
NOTE
•The indicated engine oil capacities
are for general reference purposes
only. When adding or changing oil,
verify the engine oil level with the
oil dipstick.
•Use only specified engine oil (page
10-4).
Engine Coolant
Hot Engine:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Don’t
inspect the coolant system or add
coolant when the engine is hot.
WARNING
J16L_EA.book Page 11 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM