Page 1 of 256
Introduction 3
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 19
AM/FM stereo with CD 19
Climate Controls 50
Manual heating and air conditioning 50
Lights 54
Headlamps 54
Turn signal control 56
Bulb replacement 57
Driver Controls 62
Windshield wiper/washer control 62
Steering wheel adjustment 65
Power windows 67
Speed control 69
Locks and Security 77
Keys 77
Locks 77
Anti-theft system 78
Seating and Safety Restraints 87
Seating 87
Safety restraints 98
Air bags 109
Child restraints 118
Driving 130
Starting 130
Brakes 134
Table of Contents
1
Page 7 of 256
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Panic Alarm System
FeatureEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was accurate at the time of printing.
Mazda may change the contents without notice.
Introduction
7
Page 8 of 256
Instrument cluster
(pg. 10)Windshield wiper/washer
control
(pg. 62)
Manual tilt steering
wheel lever
(pg. 65) Driver air bag
(pg. 108) Speed controls*
(pg. 69)
Instrument panel dimmer
control
(pg. 55) Power mirror control*
(pg. 68) Fog lamp control*
(pg. 55)Headlamp and turn
signal control
(pg. 54)
* if equipped
Instrument Cluster
8
Page 137 of 256

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
Page 154 of 256

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a
steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control.
When you brake hard, the front
wheels can't turn and if they aren't
turning, you won't be able to steer.
The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
ªpumpº the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
²4x4 vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
²Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
²Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
²Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4x4 vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won't stop
any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
²Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other
vehicles for stopping as well as drive slower than usual and consider
using one of the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid
locking of the wheels. Use a ªsqueezeº technique, push on the brake
pedal with a steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake
yet continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to
travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the
squeeze technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not
ªpumpº the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Driving
154
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 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