2003 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES wiper blades

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
²briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
²a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
²a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Windshield 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.
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.
Note:There are different wiper blades for cold and warm weather use.
Driver Controls
47

Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from
the vehicle. 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.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock
the steering wheel in position.
WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving.
Driver Controls
48

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

²4.0L Engine
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
CLEANING NON-PAINTED PLASTIC EXTERIOR PARTS
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
CLEANING MIRRORS
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
CLEANING THE EXTERIOR LAMPS
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
CLEANING THE WIPER BLADES, WINDSHIELD AND REAR
WINDOW
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Cleaning
179

If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
or rear window is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with
water. The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
on a regular basis, and blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid 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.
Your vehicle is designed with painted controls and features which
are particularly sensitive to certain products such as insect
repellent and suntan lotion. When operating the various features
on your vehicle, be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if
you have been in contact with any of these types of products in
order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
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.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LENS
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, and safety belts:
²Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
²Remove light stains and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner,
available at your authorized Mazda dealer.
²If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Spot and Stain Remover, available at your authorized Mazda
dealer.
²Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
Cleaning
180

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

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
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 specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
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.
WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
4.5É C (40É F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection.
Failure to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired windshield vision and increase
the risk of injury or accident.
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.
WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
195

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