The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
!
BRAKE
Driving
137
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
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
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
236
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Maintenance and Specifications
237
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1API service GL-4
or GL-5, SAE
75W-90Manual transaxle
(2WD)2.7L (2.85
quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4X4)2.2L (2.32
quarts)2
MERCONtATF 3.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler12.7L (13.4
quarts)3
Transfer Case SAE 75W-140
Synthetic
Lubricant4X4 (Automatic) 0.35L (12
ounces)
API service
GL-5, SAE
80W-904X4 (Manual) 0.35L (12
ounces)
Engine coolant
4Mazda
green-colored or
yellow-colored
Premium Engine
Coolant2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
manual
transaxle5.0L (5.3
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine with
automatic
transaxle10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 1.4L (2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidn/a All 2.6L (2.7
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
245
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................135
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................109, 114
and child safety seats ............111
description ......................109, 114
disposal ............................113, 117
driver air bag ..................111, 116
indicator light ...........12, 113, 117
operation .........................111, 116
passenger air bag ...........111, 116
side air bag ..............................114
Air cleaner filter ...............238±239
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................50
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................148
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................219
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................135±136
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered system ..86
warning light .............................13
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 31
Automatic transaxle .................139
driving with .............................141
fluid, adding ............................236
fluid, checking ........................236
Automatic transmission
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Auxiliary power point .................66
Axle
refill capacities ........................244
B
Battery .......................................217acid, treating emergencies .....217
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....180
maintenance-free ....................217
servicing ..................................217
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ...........................135±136
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................13, 136
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....235
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .................246
lubricant specifications ..........246
parking ....................................136
shift interlock ..........................139
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cargo cover .................................74
CD-single .....................................19
Cell phone warning ...................250
Certification Label ....................248
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................122
attaching with tether straps ..126
in front seat ............................123
in rear seat ..............................123
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............199
instrument panel ....................201
interior .....................................201
plastic parts ............................200
washing ....................................198
Index
251
waxing .....................................198
wheels ......................................199
wiper blades ............................200
woodtone trim ........................201
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............50
Clock ......................................30, 45
Clutch
fluid ..........................................238
operation while driving ..........144
recommended shift speeds ....145
Console ........................................74
overhead ..............................65±66
Controls
power seat .................................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............219
refill capacities ................223, 244
specifications ..........................246
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................69
Customer
Assistance ..165±166, 188±189, 192
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................202
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Defrost
rear window ..............................53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................236
engine oil .................................213
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14Driving under special
conditions ..........................150, 153
sand .........................................151
snow and ice ...........................154
through water .................152, 157
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................180
Emission control system ..........232
Engine ........................................247
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................199
coolant .....................................219
idle speed control ...................217
lubrication specifications .......246
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..................211±212
starting after a collision .........167
Engine block heater .................133
Engine oil ..................................213
checking and adding ..............213
dipstick ....................................213
filter, specifications ................216
recommendations ...................216
refill capacities ........................244
specifications ..........................246
Exhaust fumes ..........................133
F
Fluid capacities .........................244
Foglamps .....................................55
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
description ..............................148
driving off road .......................149
indicator light ...................14, 149
Index
252