Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight
and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
Roadside Emergencies
159
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt
are difficult to remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird
droppings should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible.
Deposits not removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's
paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper
blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades,
windshield and rear window.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
WAXING YOUR VEHICLE
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which
appear coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial
car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades, windshield
and rear window.
Cleaning
176
While operating your vehicle
²Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
²Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
²Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or ªpullsº to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
²When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
²If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
²Check automatic transmission Park function.
²Check parking brake.
At least monthly
²Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
²Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
²Check engine oil level.
²Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
²Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
²Check and clean body and door drain holes.
²Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
²Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
²Check parking brake for proper operation.
²Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
²Check air pressure in spare tire.
²Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
²Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
Maintenance and Specifications
189
²Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
²Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
²Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Informationº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
190
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle service maintenance section.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
Maintenance and Specifications
217
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