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²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle's reduced
ground clearance
²try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel rim
²use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
Tire change procedure
WARNING: When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or R (Reverse) (manual transaxle).
WARNING: To prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in
both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING: If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone
else could be seriously injured.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and place
gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual
transmission).
2. Set the parking brake and turn
engine OFF.
3. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
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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.
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Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in
N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel.
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ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual
transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
²2.0L DOHC I4 Zetec engine
FULL ADD
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203
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WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
NOTE:
²The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom
of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is
at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water
and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, only use a Genuine Mazda air filter
element.
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228
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Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire chains on your vehicle.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)SAE 5W-20 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine4.25L (4.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine61L (16 gallons)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine61L (16 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMERCONtAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transmission
fluid
1API service
GL-4, SAE
75W-90Manual transaxle
(2WD)2.7L (2.85
quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4X4)2.2L (2.32
quarts)2
MERCONtATF 3.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler12.7L (13.4
quarts)3
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Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Transfer Case SAE 75W-140
Synthetic
Lubricant4X4 (Automatic) 0.35L (12
ounces)
API service
GL-5, SAE
80W-904X4 (Manual) 0.35L (12
ounces)
Engine coolant
4Mazda
green-colored or
yellow-colored
Premium Engine
Coolant2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
manual
transaxle5.0L (5.3
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine with
automatic
transaxle10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantAPI service
GL-5, SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 1.4L (2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidn/a All 2.6L (2.7
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled 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 USE
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolantin this chapter.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
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235