
To activate the windshield washer,
pull control toward you. Release
control to stop washer fluid spray.
MIST FUNCTION
Move control up and release for one
wipe.
Windshield wiper blades
Check the wiper blades for wear at least twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments
used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Driver Controls
63

Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from
the windshield and lock into the
service position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
Rear window wiper/washer controls
For intermittent operation of rear
wiper, rotate end of control upward
to the INT position.
For normal speed rear wiper
operation, rotate control upward to
ON.
To activate the rear washer, rotate
the control to the
position and
release.
Driver Controls
64

Rear window wiper blade
Refer toWindshield wiper bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
MANUAL TILT STEERING COLUMN
Push the tilt steering wheel lever
downward to move the steering
wheel up or down. Pull the control
up into the original position to lock
the steering wheel in position.
WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving. You could lose control of the vehicle.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle's overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Driver Controls
65

²2.0L DOHC I4 Ð Zetec Engine
²3.0L DOHC V6 Ð Duratec Engine
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
²For routine cleaning, use One Step Wash and Wax Concentrate,
available at your local Mazda dealer.
²If tar or grease spots are present, use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Removal, available at your local Mazda dealer.
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
Cleaning
200

windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
²The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, available from your
local Mazda dealer.
²Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
²Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
²Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
²Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the air bag system.
²Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
WOOD-TONE TRIM
²Clean the area with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping with a dry, soft,
clean cloth.
²Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
²Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
²Remove light stains and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner,
available at your local Mazda dealer.
Cleaning
201

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

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

changing ..........................175±176
checking the pressure ............241
replacing ..................................242
rotating ....................................241
snow tires and chains ............243
tire grades ...............................240
treadwear ................................240
Towing .......................................160
recreational towing .................164
trailer towing ..........................160
wrecker ....................................186
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............139
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................238
manual operation ....................144
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................236
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Turn signal ............................13, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................247Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................249
Vehicle loading ..........................157
Ventilating your vehicle ...........134
W
Warning chimes ...........................15
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................213
Water, Driving through .............157
Windows
power .........................................67
rear wiper/washer .....................64
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....213
checking and cleaning ........63, 65
liftgate reservoir .....................213
operation ...................................62
replacing wiper blades .............64
Wrecker towing .........................186
Index
256