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 lever in P (Park), 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.
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
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
Maintenance and Specifications
203
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the
fuel system or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision,
which may result in possible personal injury.
WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
Maintenance and Specifications
209
WARNING: Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your
vehicle is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles
procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be
invalidated.
WARNING: When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never
smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under
certain conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling
excess fumes.
WARNING: The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is
pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on
the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while
it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area/pickup bed).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
Maintenance and Specifications
211
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
ªCheck Fuel Capº illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON
position to ensure your bulb is working. When this light turns on, check
the fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the Check Fuel
Cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon warning. When the
fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a
period of normal driving.It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The warranty may be void
for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Mazda fuel filler cap is not used.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the
fuel system or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision,
which may result in possible personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and (E85) ETHANOL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Maintenance and Specifications
212
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km±5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
Maintenance and Specifications
215
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
4Premium Engine
Coolant2.3 L I4 engine
with manual
transmission10.0L (10.5
quarts)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transmission9.7L (10.2
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission14.3L (15.1
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission14.0L (14.8
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission13.0L (13.7
quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission12.5L (13.2
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A Regular cab
(Short wheel
base)62.4L (16.5
gallons)
Regular cab
(Long wheel
base)75.7L (20.0
gallons)
SuperCab 73.8L (19.5
gallons)
Transfer Case
FluidMazda
MERCONtAT F4x4 Vehicles 1.2L (1.25
quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMazda SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 Vehicles 1.7L (3.6 pints)
Maintenance and Specifications
233
instrument cluster lens ..........180
instrument panel ....................180
interior .....................................180
Mazda car care products .......181
mirrors .....................................179
plastic parts ............................179
washing ....................................176
waxing .....................................176
wheels ......................................177
windows ..................................181
wiper blades ............................179
Clutch
fluid ..........................................222
operation while driving ..........122
recommended shift speeds ....123
Compass, electronic ..............50±51
calibration .................................52
set zone adjustment .................51
Console ........................................57
Coolant
checking and adding ..............204
refill capacities ................207, 232
specifications ..................235±236
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................53
Customer
Assistance ..................165±166, 169
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................223
engine oil .................................196
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........235Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................227
Driving under special
conditions ..................124, 126±127
mud ..........................................127
sand .........................................127
snow and ice ...........................128
through water .................127±128
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................158
Emission control system ..........218
Engine ........................................236
cleaning ...................................177
coolant .....................................204
idle speed control ...................202
lubrication
specifications ..................235±236
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..................192±194
starting after a collision .........140
Engine block heater .................114
Engine oil ..................................196
checking and adding ..............196
dipstick ....................................196
filter, specifications ................200
recommendations ...................200
refill capacities ........................232
specifications ..................235±236
Exhaust fumes ..........................114
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....208
Fluid capacities .........................232
Foglamps .....................................38
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......124
Index
241
driving off road .......................126
electronic shift ........................125
indicator light .........................125
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................118
Fuel ............................................208
calculating fuel economy .......215
cap ...........................................211
capacity ...................................232
choosing the right fuel ...........212
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................218
detergent in fuel .....................214
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................208, 211, 215
filter, specifications ................214
fuel pump shut-off switch .....140
improving fuel economy ........215
octane rating ...................213, 236
quality ......................................213
running out of fuel .................214
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................208
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................208, 212±213
Fuses ..................................141±142
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............211
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................215
Gauges .........................................16
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
calculating ...............................131
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
calculating .......................129, 131
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
H
Headlamps ...................................38
aiming ........................................39
bulb specifications ....................40
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
replacing bulbs .........................41
turning on and off ....................38
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........35±36
Hood ..........................................191
I
Ignition ...............................110, 236
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................97
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................219
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................180
cluster ................................12, 180
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................152
positioning ...............................152
storage .............................152±154
Index
242