DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited
and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your
engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
Driving
147
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
WARNING: A hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has been
running, parts of the engine compartment can become very hot.
You could be burned. Don't inspect the coolant system or add
coolant when the engine is hot.
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
197
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
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 specifications. Refer toRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
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: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.
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.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
Maintenance and Specifications
202
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief
cap. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid
can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic
bottle). Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins
to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill
the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, run the engine for a few minutes to
mix the coolant. Check the coolant concentration. Make sure the engine
is off and cool before removing the coolant pressure relief cap (see
preceding steps on cap removal). Check the concentration per the
Checking Engine Coolantsection. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34ÉF/±36ÉC), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentraction. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage).
Maintenance and Specifications
212
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................125
Accessory delay ..........................61
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..................99, 104
and child safety seats ............101
description ........................99, 104
disposal ............................103, 107
driver air bag ..................101, 106
indicator light .................103, 107
operation .........................101, 106
passenger air bag ...........101, 106
side air bag ..............................104
Air cleaner filter ...............228±229
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................137
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................209
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................125±126
Anti-theft system ........................78
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..78
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 27
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................131
fluid, adding ............................226
fluid, checking ........................226
Automatic transmission ............128
fluid, refill capacities ..............234
Auxiliary power point .................59Axle
refill capacities ........................234
B
Battery .......................................207
acid, treating emergencies .....207
jumping a disabled battery ....169
maintenance-free ....................207
servicing ..................................207
Brakes ........................................124
anti-lock ...........................125±126
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....225
fluid, refill capacities ..............234
fluid, specifications .................236
lubricant specifications ..........236
parking ....................................126
shift interlock ..........................128
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Calculating load ........................149
Capacities for refilling fluids ....234
Cargo area shade ........................66
CD-single .....................................17
Cell phone warning ...................239
Certification Label ....................238
Child safety restraints ..............108
child safety belts ....................108
Child safety seats ......................112
attaching with tether straps ..116
in front seat ............................113
in rear seat ..............................113
Index
240
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............188
instrument panel ....................190
interior .....................................190
interior trim ............................190
Mazda car care products .......191
plastic parts ............................189
washing ....................................187
waxing .....................................187
wheels ......................................188
wiper blades ............................189
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............44
Clock ......................................26, 39
Clutch
fluid ..........................................228
operation while driving ..........134
recommended shift speeds ....135
Console ........................................66
overhead ....................................58
Controls
power seat .................................81
Coolant
checking and adding ..............209
refill capacities ................213, 234
specifications ..........................236
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................62
Customer
Assistance ..................176±177, 180
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................48
Defrost
rear window ..............................47Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................226
engine oil .................................203
Driving under special
conditions ..................133, 140, 143
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................144
through water .................142, 147
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................169
Emission control system ..........222
Engine ........................................236
cleaning ...................................188
coolant .....................................209
idle speed control ...................207
lubrication specifications .......236
refill capacities ........................234
service points ..................200±201
Engine block heater .................123
Engine oil ..................................203
checking and adding ..............203
dipstick ....................................203
filter, specifications ................206
recommendations ...................206
refill capacities ........................234
specifications ..........................236
Exhaust fumes ..........................123
F
Fluid capacities .........................234
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
description ..............................138
driving off road .......................139
indicator light .........................138
Index
241
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........120
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................49
daytime running light ...............48
fog lamps ...................................48
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....49
interior lamps .....................50±51
replacing bulbs ...................51±55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Liftgate ........................................67
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........126
Load limits .................................147
GAWR ......................................147
GVWR ......................................147
trailer towing ..........................147
Loading instructions .................149
Locks
childproof ..................................70
doors ..........................................69
Lubricant specifications ...........236
Lumbar support, seats .........80±81
M
Manual transaxle .......................134
fluid, checking and adding ....228
reverse .....................................136Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................234
Mirrors ...................................59, 61
fold away ...................................62
heated ........................................62
side view mirrors (power) .......61
Moon roof ....................................66
Motorcraft parts ........................219
O
Octane rating ............................217
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................203
Overdrive ...................................130
Overheating ...............................162
P
Parking .......................................136
Parking brake ............................126
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................159
Power door locks ........................69
Power point ...........................59±60
Power Seats .................................81
Power steering ..........................127
fluid, checking and adding ....224
fluid, refill capacity ................234
fluid, specifications .................236
Power Windows ...........................60
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................128
R
Radio ......................................17, 27
Radio reception .....................42±43
Index
243