4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirror(s),
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels
should be inspected daily, weekly, or at
refueling, depending on the fluid. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 6 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM
4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask a Mazda dealer to perform the
following precautions:
•Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
•Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
•Use only cold-weather engine oil
(page 8-9).
•Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
•Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze—but don’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-16).
•Don’t use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P and block the
rear wheels.
Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3
psi) more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-23
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Warning/Indicator Lights
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-25
Charging System Warning Light 5-26
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light 5-26
Check Engine Light 5-27
ABS Warning Light 5-27
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-28
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-28
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 23 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM
5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Charging System Warning Light
This warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light comes on while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
If the light comes on while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don’t drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
Don’t continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
CAUTION
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5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-9). If it’s low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains on even after you add
oil, have your vehicle towed to the nearest
service station or to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
•The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
•The engine’s electrical system has a
problem.
•The emission control system has a
problem.
•The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.If the check engine light flashes
continuously, decrease your speed and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 27 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM
8-1
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction
................................................................................. 8- 2
Introduction ............................................................................. 8- 2
Scheduled Maintenance
.............................................................. 8- 3
Scheduled Maintenance ........................................................... 8- 3
Owner Maintenance
.................................................................... 8- 6
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8- 6
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8- 7
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8- 8
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8- 9
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-11
Brake Fluid .............................................................................. 8-13
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-14
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-15
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-16
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-17
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-17
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-18
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-22
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-23
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-27
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-33
Appearance Care
......................................................................... 8-38
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-38
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-40
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-43
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 1 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Schedule 1
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:
Replace
L:
Lubricate
C:
Clean
ENGINE
IGNITION SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
*
1According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your
emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometrage (mileage) period to ensure long-term reliability. Maintenance Interval
(Number of months
or kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first)Months 6 12182430364248
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Drive belts II
PCV valve
*1I
Spark plugs (Platinum tipped type)Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Air filterCR C
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Brake fluidRR
Disc brakesII
Drum brakesII
Steering operation and linkagesII
Front suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLL
Refrigerant amountIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air filter (if equipped)Replace once a year or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 4 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM
8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Schedule 2
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:
Replace L :
Lubricate C :
Clean
ENGINE
IGNITION SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
*
1According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or kilometrage
(mileage) period to ensure long-term reliability.
*
2If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the spark plugs every 96,000 km(60,000 miles) or
shorter.
a)Repeated short-distance driving
b)Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c)Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
d)Towing a trailerMaintenance Interval
(Number of months or
kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first)Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Engine oilPuerto RicoReplace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
OthersRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts II
PCV valve
*1I
Hoses and tubes for emission(Puerto Rico)I
Spark plugs (Platinum
tipped type)USAReplace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Others
*2Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Air filterPuerto RicoCRCR
OthersCR C
Fuel lines and hoses
*1I I
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Function of all lightsIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Brake fluidRR
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Refrigerant amountIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air filter (if equipped)Replace once a year or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM