Page 68 of 248

WARNING: Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are
closed to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the
vehicle. This will also prevent passengers and cargo from falling
out. If you must drive with the liftgate door or window open,
keep the vents open so outside air comes into the vehicle.
LUGGAGE RACK
The maximum load for the roof rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly
distributed on the crossbars. If it is not possible to evenly distribute the
load, position it in the center or as far forward on the crossbars as
possible. Always use the adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.
To adjust the cross-bar position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly from the roof rack side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the end of
the rail.
3. Use a long, flat object to
depress the tongue in the
endcaps on both sides of the
cross-bar.
4. Slide the cross-bar assembly off the end of the rail.
To reinstall the cross-bar assembly to the roof rack side rails:
1. Slide the cross-bar assemblies over the end cap tongue and into the
side rails.
2. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driver Controls
68
Page 187 of 248

WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as an approved shampoo available from your Mazda
dealer.
²Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
²Never wash a vehicle that is ªhot to the touchº or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
²Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
²Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
²It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
²Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle's
paintwork and trim over time.
²Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
²Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
²Wash the vehicle first.
²Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
²Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will ªgrayº or stain the parts over time.
Cleaning
187
Page 244 of 248

Rear window defroster ...............47
Relays ........................................156
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................74
locking/unlocking doors ...........69
Roof rack .....................................68
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................89±93
Safety defects, reporting ..........186
Safety restraints ....................89±94
cleaning the safety belts ..........98
extension assembly ..................95
for adults .............................90±93
for children .............................108
lap belt ......................................95
warning light and chime ..........96
Safety seats for children ..........112
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............89
Seats ............................................79
child safety seats ....................112
heated ........................................82
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ............................163±164
Spark plugs, specifications .......236
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............5
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................236
Speed control ..............................62
Starting your vehicle ........120±122jump starting ..........................169
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tires ...................................229±231
changing ..........................163±165
checking the pressure ............231
replacing ..................................232
rotating ....................................231
snow tires and chains ............233
tire grades ...............................230
treadwear ................................230
Towing .......................................149
recreational towing .................154
trailer towing ..........................149
wrecker ....................................174
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................228
manual operation ....................134
Transmission
automatic operation ...............128
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................226
fluid, refill capacities ..............234
Turn signal ..................................50
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................236
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................238
Vehicle loading ..........................147
Ventilating your vehicle ...........124
Index
244