Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
NOTE:
²If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
²When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
²Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4x4 vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts, halfshafts and tires. Excess mud on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage drive
components.
NOTE:
If the transaxle Power Take Off unit or rear axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a lubricant
that does not normally require a lubricant change for the life of the
vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
Driving
152
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited
and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your
engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
Driving
157
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
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom
of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is
at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water
and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, only use a Genuine Mazda air filter
element.
Maintenance and Specifications
238
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
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................55
location of components ............10
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......180
K
Keys .......................................82±84
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........130
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................58
cargo lamps ...............................55
daytime running light ...............54
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........55
instrument panel, dimming .....55
interior lamps .....................56, 58
replacing bulbs .............57, 59±61
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................56
Liftgate ........................................75
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....13, 136
anti-theft ...................................13
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................14
fuel cap light .............................15
high beam .................................13
low coolant ................................14low fuel ......................................12
oil pressure ...............................14
overdrive off ..............................14
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................157
GAWR ......................................157
GVWR ......................................157
trailer towing ..........................157
Loading instructions .................159
Locks
childproof ..................................78
doors ..........................................77
Lubricant specifications ...........246
Lumbar support, seats ...............89
M
Manual transaxle .......................144
fluid, checking and adding ....238
reverse .....................................146
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................244
Mirrors
fold away ...................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Moon roof ....................................74
Motorcraft parts ........................228
O
Octane rating ............................226
Odometer .....................................18
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................213
Overdrive ...................................141
Index
254