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Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT 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.
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1. Clean the reservoir cap beforeremoval 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 to Identifying components in the engine
compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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223
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NOTE:Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
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
Oil 4.0L V6 engine 4.7L
(5.0 quarts)
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FluidMazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid High Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
Power steering
fluid Mazda
MERCON
AT FAll
Fill to range on
dipstick
Transmission
fluid
1Mazda
MERCON AT F5-speed manual 2.65L
(2.8 quarts)2
Mazda
MERCONV
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 4.0L
9.8L
(10.3 quarts)3
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FluidMazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
4Premium Engine
Coolant 2.3 L I4 engine
with manual
transmission10.0L
(10.5 quarts)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transmission 9.7L
(10.2 quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 14.3L
(15.1 quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 14.0L
(14.8 quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission 13.0L
(13.7 quarts)
4.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission 12.5L
(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
Fluid Mazda
MERCON
AT F4x4 Vehicles 1.2L
(1.25 quarts)
Front axle
lubricant Mazda SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 Vehicles 1.7L
(3.6 pints)
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233
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FluidMazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Rear axle
lubricant
5Mazda SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant All 2.4-2.5L
(5.0-5.3 pints)
Windshield
washer fluid Ultra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.75 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCON and MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCON and MERCONV. Refer to the service maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. DO NOT MIX
different colors or types of coolant. DO NOT USE Mazda Extended Life
Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer to Adding engine coolant, in
this chapter.
5Traction-Lok axles use 2.2–2.4L (4.75–5.0 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to
14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
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LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemMazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4) SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axle SAE 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
engines SAE 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 tracks Multi-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) MERCON
AT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E) MERCONVATF
2
Windshield washer fluid
Ultra-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
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235
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handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCON and MERCONV. Refer to your service maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
3Do not mix different types or colors of engine coolant.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 2.3L I4 engine 3.0L V6 engine 4.0L V6 engine
Cubic inches 138 182 245
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.04-1.19mm (0.041-0.047
inch)1.07-1.17mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS EDIS
Compression
ratio 9.7:1 9.14:1 9.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Regular Cab mm (in)SuperCab mm
(in)
(1) Overall length 4 763 (187.5) 5 153 (202.9)
(2) Overall width 1 785 (70.3) 1 785 (70.3)
(3) Overall height 4x2/4x4 1 575 (62.0) / 1 655 (65.2)1 585 (62.4) /
1 684 (66.3)
(4) Wheelbase 2 831 (111.4) 3 192 (125.7)
(5) Track - Front 1 486 (58.5) 1 485 (58.5)
(5) Track - Rear 1 455 (57.3) 1 455 (57.3)
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236