Page 203 of 256

INTRODUCTION
Be extremely careful to prevent injury to yourself and others and
damage to your vehicle when using this manual for inspection and
maintenance.
If you're unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you
to have a reliable and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for
your vehicle. Without this expertise and the parts that have been
designed and made especially for your Mazda, inadequate, incomplete,
and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This could lead to
vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been
performed as prescribed.
A claim against a warranty will not qualify if it results from lack of
maintenance and not from defective material or authorized Mazda
workmanship.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda's original
equipment may perform maintenance.But we recommend that it
always be done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer using genuine
Mazda parts.
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.
²Repeated short trips of less than 16 kilometers (10 miles)
²Driving in dusty, sandy or wet conditions
²Driving with an extended use of brakes
²Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
²Driving on rough or muddy roads
²Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
²Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid
climates
²Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
NOTE:After the described period, continue to follow the described
maintenance at the recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Specifications
203
Page 205 of 256

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
x 1000 Km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
(x 1000 Miles) (7.5) (15) (22.5) (30) (37.5) (45) (52.5) (60) (67.5) (75) (82.5) (95)
Engine coolant Replace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24
months
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and
connectionsII I
Disc brakes I I I
Drum brakes I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Rear differential
oil (for 4WD)*2 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Front and rear suspension ball
jointsII I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
bodyII I
Exhaust system heat shields I I I
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLL L
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amountIIIII I
Compressor operationIIIII I
*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 mileage (kilometrage) period to ensure
long-term reliability.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be
changed.
Maintenance and Specifications
205
Page 207 of 256

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 Km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
(x 1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
Engine coolant Replace 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 level IIIIIIIIIII I
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIII I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIII I
Disc brakes I I I I
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIII I
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIII I
Manual transaxle oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Automatic transaxle fluid Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Rear differential oil
(for 4WD)*2 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Transfer oil (for
4WD)*2 Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Front and rear suspension ball
jointsII
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body I I I I
Exhaust system heat shields I I
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLL L
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIII I
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amount I I I I
Compressor operation I I I I
Maintenance and Specifications
207
Page 209 of 256

Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
209
Page 211 of 256
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L DOHC I4 Zetec engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
4. Air filter assembly
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
5678
1234
9
Maintenance and Specifications
211
Page 212 of 256
3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
10987
123456
Maintenance and Specifications
212
Page 213 of 256

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer toRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
NOTE:State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should
be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual
transmissions).
Maintenance and Specifications
213
Page 218 of 256

WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
NOTE:
²The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
Maintenance and Specifications
218