4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q36-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 parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch 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
J39L(02MY).book Page 5 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 28 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 4
psi) more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving
1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).
•Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
•Chains may affect handling.
•Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
•Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
•Avoid locked-wheel braking.
•Don’t use chains on the temporary
tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.
•Don’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
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7-10
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
Locking Lug Nuts
If your vehicle has optional antitheft
wheel lug nuts, one on each wheel will
lock and you must use a special key to
unlock them. This key is attached to the
lug wrench and is stored with the spare
tire. Register them with the lock
manufacturer by filling out the card
provided in the glove box and mailing it in
the accompanying envelope. If you lose
your key, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or use the lock manufacturer’s
order form, which is with the registration
card.
To remove an antitheft lug nut
1. Get the key for the locking lug nut.
2. Place it on top of the nut, and be sure to
hold the key square to it. If you hold
the key at an angle, you may damage
both key and nut. Don’t use a power
impact wrench.
3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key
and apply pressure. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
To replace the nut
1. Place the key on top of the nut.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,
apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.
Mounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
2. Mount the spare tire.
Antitheft lug nutSpecial key
Removing Dirt and Grime from
Wheels, Hubs and Hub Bolts:
When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grim from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident. Make sure the mounting
surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug
nuts are clean before changing or
replacing tires.
WARNING
J39L(02MY).book Page 10 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
7-12
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
(Sedan)
5. Store the damaged tire, using the
conventional tire hold-down bolt
supplied in the tool bag to hold it in
place. Turn the tire clamp upside down
from the temporary spare tire position.
Have the damaged tire repaired as soon
as possible.
(Hatchback)
6. Store the damaged tire, using the
conventional tire hold-down bolt
supplied in the tool bag to hold it in
place. Have the damaged tire repaired
as soon as possible.
Loose Lug Nuts:
Improperly or loosely tightened lug
nuts are dangerous. The wheel could
wobble or come off. This could result
in loss of vehicle control and cause a
serious accident. Always securely and
correctly tighten the lug nuts.
Metric Studs and Lug Nuts:
Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the stud,
which could cause the wheel to slip
off and cause an accident. Be sure to
reinstall the same nuts you removed
or replace them with metric nuts of
the same configuration.
Incorrect Tire Air Pressure:
Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
Don’t drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure. When you
check the regular tires’ air pressure,
check the spare tire, too.
WARNING
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from
rattling, store them properly.
Tire clamp Conventional tire
hold-down bolt
Tire clampConventional tire
hold-down bolt
J39L(02MY).book Page 12 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q36-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
96,000 km (60,000 miles).
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 clearanceI
Engine timing belt
*2Inspect at 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Replace every 168,000 km (105,000 miles)
Drive belts (tension) II
Engine oilExcept Puerto RicoRRRRRRRRRRRR
Puerto RicoReplace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) (or 3 months)
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
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
Idle speedII
Air filter
I
*1R
I *1R
Fuel lines & hoses*1II
Hoses & tubes for emission*1I
Spark plugsRR
Function of all lightsIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses & connectionsII
Brake & clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Drum brakesII
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation & linkagesII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts & nuts on chassis & bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
All locks & hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Refrigerant amount (if installed) IIII
Compressor operation (if installed) IIII
J39L(02MY).book Page 5 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
8-7
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
I
: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary . R: Replace
L
: Lubricate T
: Tightenan
*5: If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle
is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
*6: This is a full function check of electrical systems such as lights, wiper and washer systems (including wiper
blades), and power windows.
Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
ItemNumber of months or km (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 121824303642485460667278849096
×1000 Km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
(×1000 Miles) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
E.G.R. system (if installed)IIIIIIII
Battery electrolyte level
and specific gravityIIIIIIII
Brake and clutch pedalsIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connectionsIIIIIIII
Brake fluid*
5I I IRI I IRI I IRI I IR
Clutch fluidIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Parking brakeIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit and hosesIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Drum brakesIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and linesIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and gear
housingIIIIIIII
Steering linkage, tie rod ends and
armsIIIIIIII
Manual transaxle oilRR
Automatic transaxle fluid levelIIII III
Automatic transaxle fluid
RRR
Front and rear suspension and
ball jointsIIII
Driveshaft dust bootsIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsIIII
Wheel nutsTTTTTTTT
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
bodyTTTTTTTT
All electrical system
*6 IIIIIIII
Headlight alignmentIIIII
Body condition (for rust,
corrosion and perforation)Ins
pect annually
Tires
(including spare tire, with
inflation pressure adjustment)IIIIIIII
Hinges and catchesLLLLLLLL
Road testIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
J39L(02MY).book Page 7 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8Q36-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 and clutch fluid level (page 8-16)
•Engine coolant level (page 8-14)
•Engine oil level (page 8-11)
•Washer fluid level (page 8-20)
At Least Monthly
•Tire inflation pressures (page 8-27)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-18)
•Power steering fluid level (page 8-18)
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 8-21)
•Engine coolant (page 8-14)
•Engine oil (page 8-12)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
J39L(02MY).book Page 8 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
•Keep it securely mounted.
•Keep the top clean and dry.
•Keep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
•Rinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
•If the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
Tires
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except when using the temporary
spare tire, use only the same type tires
(radial, bias-belted, bias-type) on all
four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-7)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
WARNING
J39L(02MY).book Page 26 Thursday, November 1, 2001 10:49 AM