5-35
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
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 remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds 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.
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
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 35 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
5-47
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Daytime Running Lights
(Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
Tu r n S i g n a l
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change —until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off
when the parking brake is applied.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out.
Right turn
Left turn Right lane
change
Left lane
changeOFF
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 47 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
7-7
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in Park (P), a manual
transaxle in Reverse (R) or 1, and turn
off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire
(page 7-3).6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a block both in front and behind
the tire.
Removing a Flat Tire
1. If your vehicle is equipped with a
wheel cover, pry off the wheel cover
with the beveled end of the lug wrench. (With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The wheels equipped on your Mazda
are specially designed for installation
of the tire pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise it may
not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
NOTE
•Make sure the jack is well
lubricated before using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
•Be sure to register the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code whenever
tires or wheels are changed (page
5-24).
CAUTION
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
Wheel cover
Lug wrench
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 7 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
7-13
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don’t go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,
then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
Overheating
Cooling Fan and Engine
Inspection:
Inspecting the engine with the
ignition switch in the ON position is
dangerous. The cooling fan could
turn on unexpectedly even when the
engine isn’t running. You could be
seriously injured by the fan. Turn the
ignition switch off and remove the key
from the ignition switch when you
inspect the engine.
Cooling System Cap:
When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Don’t remove the
cooling system cap when the engine
and radiator are hot.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine.
WARNING
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
CAUTION
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7-20
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Emergency Towing
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
front wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
Towing Description
Wheel dollies
Don’t tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transaxle.
Don’t tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
CAUTION
CAUTION
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8-1
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction
................................................................................... 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance
................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance
.................................................................... 8-10
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8-10
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-11
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-12
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-13
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-15
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-18
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-20
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-21
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-22
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-23
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-24
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-28
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-31
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-36
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-46
Appearance Care
......................................................................... 8-51
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-51
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-53
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-57
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
8-3
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Scheduled Maintenance
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
•Repeated short-distance driving
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Driving with extended use of brakes
•Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
•Driving on rough or muddy roads
•Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
•Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Scheduled Maintenance (North America)
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
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8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Schedule 1
I
: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R
: Replace
L
: Lubricate
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
*1:According to state / provincial 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 mileage / kilometer 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 valve clearanceA u d i b l e i n s p e c t e v e r y 1 2 0 , 0 0 0 k m ( 7 5 , 0 0 0 m i l e s ) ,
if noisy, adjust
Drive belts (tension)I
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRR
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years ;
after that, every 2 years
Air filterR
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Spark plugsReplace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Disc brakesIIII
Tire (Rotation)Rotate every 12,000km (7,500miles)
Steering operation and linkagesII
Front and rear suspension and ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Exhaust system and heat shieldsInspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLL
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