Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine,check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range.
Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
221
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
from a clean un-opened
container until the level reaches
MAX. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Mazda specification . Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING: If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Mazda specification.
Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
222
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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 at normal operating
temperature (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.
Maintenance and Specifications
223
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission 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.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully ±
put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
Maintenance and Specifications
225
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil2.3L engine 3.8L (4.0
quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5
quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil4.0L V6 engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Power steering
fluidMazda
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
Transmission
fluid
1Mazda
MERCONtAT F5-speed manual 2.65L (2.8
quarts)2
Mazda
MERCONtV
AT F4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 2.3L I4
engine9.4L (9.9
quarts)3
4x2 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L
engines9.5L (10.0
quarts)3
4x4 vehicles
with automatic
and 3.0L or 4.0L9.8L (10.3
quarts)3
Maintenance and Specifications
232
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4)SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axleSAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
Door weather strips Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant
3
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6
enginesSAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches,
striker plates, fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracksMulti-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking
brake linkages and pivots, brake
and clutch pedal shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft spline
(manual transmission).Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual)MERCONtAT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E)MERCONtVATF
2
Windshield washer fluidUltra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. If submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
Maintenance and Specifications
235
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................115
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................82
and child safety seats ..............84
description ................................82
disposal ......................................88
driver air bag ............................86
indicator light ...........................87
operation ...................................86
passenger air bag .....................86
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................88
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................204
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................115±116
Audio system
(see Radio) ................19, 21, 23, 27
Automatic transmission ............119
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................120
fluid, adding ............................223
fluid, checking ........................223
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
fluid, specification ..................236
Auxiliary power point .................49
Axle
lubricant specifications ..235±236
refill capacities ........................232
traction lok ..............................118
B
Battery .......................................202
acid, treating emergencies .....202
jumping a disabled battery ....158
maintenance-free ....................202servicing ..................................202
Bed extender ..............................57
BeltMinder ...................................77
Brakes ........................................115
anti-lock ...........................115±116
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............116
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............232
fluid, specifications .........235±236
lubricant specifications ..235±236
parking ....................................116
shift interlock ..........................119
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................131
Capacities for refilling fluids ....232
Cassette tape player .............21, 23
CD-single premium ...............19, 27
Cell phone warning ...................239
Certification Label ....................238
Changing a tire .........................152
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................97
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ................................99
LATCH .....................................106
tether anchorage hardware ...102
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............177
exterior ............................177, 181
exterior lamps .........................179
Index
240
Jump-starting your vehicle ......158
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........110
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
cargo lamps ...............................39
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps .....................40±41
replacing
bulbs .................. 40±41, 43, 45±46
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................40
LATCH anchors .........................106
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........116
Load limits .................................129
GAWR ......................................129
GVWR ......................................129
trailer towing ..........................129
Loading instructions .................129
Lubricant specifications ...235±236
Lumbar support, seats ...............68
M
Manual transmission .................122
fluid capacities ........................232
lubricant specifications ..........236
reverse .....................................123Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................50
cleaning ...................................179
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Motorcraft parts ........................214
O
Octane rating ............................213
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................196
Overdrive .....................................56
Overheating ...............................151
P
Parking brake ............................116
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................145
Power door locks ........................59
Power point .................................49
Power steering ..........................117
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacity ................232
fluid, specifications .........235±236
Power Windows ...........................49
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................118
R
Radio ..........................19, 21, 23, 27
Relays ........................................141
Remote entry system ...........59±60
illuminated entry ......................63
locking/unlocking doors ...........59
Index
243