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Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-15)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-12)
lEngine oil level (page 8-10)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-18)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-17)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-16)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lAir filter (page 8-20)
lEngine coolant (page 8-12)
lEngine oil (page 8-11)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Engine Compartment Overview
Power steering
fluid reservoirWindshield washer
fluid reservoir
Fuse block
Air filter Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir Engine coolant
reservoir
Engine coolant
reservoirAutomatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle) Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle) 2.3-liter engine
3.0-liter engine
Battery Engine oil dipstick
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Power steering
fluid reservoir Cooling system capEngine oil-filler cap
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Air filter
Fuse blockBattery
Engine oil-filler cap Engine oil dipstickCooling system cap
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid
Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with water
and get medical attention. Brake fluid
spilled on a hot engine could cause a
fire. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on yourself or on the engine.
Low Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels:
Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and cause
an accident. If you find a low fluid
level, have the brakes and clutch
inspected.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
lBrake and clutch fluid will damage
painted surfaces. If brake or clutch
fluid does get on a painted surface,
wipe it off immediately.
lUsing nonspecified brake and clutch
fluids (page 10-3) will damage the
systems. Mixing different fluids will
also damage them.
If the brake/clutch system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don't operate the vehicle for long
periods when the power steering fluid
level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-3).
2.3-liter engine
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
3.0-liter engine
Inspect the fluid level at each engine oil
change. Add fluid if necessary; it does not
require periodic changing.
LowOK HighLoosenTighten
The level must be kept between the H and
L marks.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
1. Park on a level surface, well off the
right-of-way, and set the parking brake
firmly.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to
cool.
3. Remove the filler cap and attached
dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between H and L. Add fluid
if necessary.
Don't overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION
lLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
lUse specified fluid (page 10-3). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Idle the engine about two minutes.
Push down on the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges
and set it at P.
WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Low
B Full A Full
A Full
B Full Low
Low
Low 3.0-liter engine2.3-liter engine
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the level must be between Full
and Low.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Light Bulbs
Luggage compartment
light (Hatchback)
High-mount brake light
(Sedan)
Headlights
(High beam)Headlights
(Low beam) Overhead light/
Map lights
Luggage compartment light Wagon
Taillights
Side-marker lights
License plate lightsCourtesy lights
Front turn signal lightsParking lights
Reverse lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
High-mount brake light Fog lights Sedan/Hatchback
Taillights Side-marker lights
License plate lightsCourtesy lights
Front turn signal lightsParking lights
Reverse lights Rear turn signal lights Brake lights/TaillightsTrunk light
Fog lights
High-mount brake light (Hatchback)Headlights
(High beam)(Low beam) HeadlightsMap lights Overhead light/
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Socket
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear turn signallights
(Sedan)
1. Pull the center section of the plastic
retainer and remove the retainers and
partially open the trunk side trim.
Trunk side trim
Removal
Installation
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Socket
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Hatchback)
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Wagon)
1. Turn the knob and remove the cover.
Left side
Right side
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Socket
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Reverse lights, Taillights
(Sedan)
1. Pull the center section of the plastic
retainer and remove the retainers, then
remove the trunk rear trim.
Trunk rear trim Installation Removal
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Reverse lights
Taillights
Socket
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
(Hatchback/Wagon)
1. Remove the cover.
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Reverse lights
Taillights
Socket
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
High-mount brake light
(Sedan)
1. Remove the high-mount brake light
component.
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Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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