
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle's color. Touch-up
paint can be used to repair minor scratches to painted surfaces.
²Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
²Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint finish.
In order to maintain their shine:
²Clean with One Step Wash and Wax Concentrate, which is available
from your authorized Mazda dealer.
²Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
²Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning
chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust
and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
²Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
²To remove tar and grease, use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Removal, available from your authorized Mazda dealer.
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
²Never spray the engine or other engine components with water. Water
will damage the engine or other engine components.
²Spray Engine Shampoo and Degreaser, available at your authorized
Mazda dealer, on all parts that require cleaning and pressure rinse
clean.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Cleaning
188

windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
²The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, available from your
authorized Mazda dealer.
²Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
²Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
²Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
²Avoid 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.
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.
²Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
²Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
²Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
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.
Cleaning
190

SCHEDULE 1
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary
(Oil-permeated air filter cannot be cleaned using the air-blow method)
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
x 1000 Km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
(x 1000 Miles)(7.5) (15) (22.5) (30) (37.5) (45) (52.5) (60) (67.5) (75) (82.5) (95)
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance (for 2.0L
engine)I
Engine timing belt (for 2.0L engine) Replace every 144,000 km (90,000 miles)
Engine oil RRRRRRRRRRRR
Oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts I I I
PCV valve (for 2.0L
engine)*1 Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
PCV valve (for 3.0L
engine)*1 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Hoses and tubes for emission *1 I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-TIPPED
type)Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
FUEL SYSTEM
Air cleaner filter R R R
Fuel filter *1 R R R
Fuel lines and hoses *1 I I I
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I I
Engine coolant (green) Replace 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 (yellow) Replace at first 160,000 km (100,000 miles) or
60 months; after that, every 80,000 km
(50,000 miles) or 36 months
Maintenance and Specifications
193

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 Km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
(x 1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance (for 2.0L
engine)I
Engine timing belt (for 2.0L engine) Replace every 144,000 km (90,000 miles)
Engine oil RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil (for Puerto Rico) Replace every 4,800 km (3,000 miles) (or 3 months)
Oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts I I
PCV valve (for 2.0L
engine)*1 Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
PCV valve (for 3.0L
engine)*1 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Hoses and tubes for
emission*1 I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs (PLATINUM TIPPED
type)Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
FUEL SYSTEM
Air cleaner filterIRIR
Fuel filter *1 R R
Fuel lines & hoses *1 I I
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant (green) Replace 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 (yellow) Replace at first 160,000 km (100,000 miles) or
60 months; after that, every 80,000 km
(50,000 miles) or 36 months
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
Maintenance and Specifications
195

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: 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
Maintenance and Specifications
208

²Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the
fuel system or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision,
which may result in possible personal injury.
WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and Specifications
214