Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on
the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while
it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area/pickup bed).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/4 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it stops.
ªCheck Fuel Capº illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON
position to ensure your bulb is working. When this light turns on, check
the fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the Check Fuel
Cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon warning. When the
fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a
period of normal driving.It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The warranty may be void
for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Mazda fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
211
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.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and (E85) FUEL ETHANOL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited
by law and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your authorized Mazda dealership to prevent any
engine damage.
Unleaded Gasoline engines
Your vehicle is designed to use ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as ªRegularº that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in
high altitude areas.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
212
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
liters or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Maintenance and Specifications
215
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Regular cab
(Short wheel
base)64.4L (17
gallons)
SuperCab 73.8L (19.5
gallons)
Transfer Case
FluidMazda
MERCONtAT F4x4 Vehicles 1.2L (1.25
quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMazda SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 Vehicles 1.7L (3.6 pints)
Rear axle
lubricant
5Mazda SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantAll 2.4-2.5L (5.0-5.3
pints)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L (2.75
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 the service 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 MIX
different colors or types of coolant. DO NOT USE Mazda Extended Life
Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine coolant, in
this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
242
5Traction-Lok axles use 2.2±2.4L (4.75±5.0 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. Service refill
capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4
inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
6Brake fluid will drop slowly as the brakes wear and will rise when brake
components are replaced. Fluid levels below the MAX line that do not
trigger the brake warning light are within the normal operating range,
there is no need to add fluid. If the levels are outside the normal
operating range, the performance of your brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your local Mazda dealer immediately.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4)SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axleSAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
4
Door weather strips Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant3
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots, brake and clutch
pedal shaft, clutch pilot bearing and
input shaft spline (manual
transmission).Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual)MERCONtAT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E and
5R55E)MERCONtVATF
2
Windshield washer fluidUltra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
Maintenance and Specifications
243
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....208
Fluid capacities .........................240
Foglamps .....................................34
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......119
driving off road .......................121
electronic shift ........................120
indicator light .........................120
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................113
Fuel ............................................208
calculating fuel economy .......214
cap ...........................................211
capacity ...................................240
choosing the right fuel ...........212
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................217
detergent in fuel .....................214
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................208, 211, 214
filter, specifications ................214
fuel pump shut-off switch .....137
improving fuel economy ........214
octane rating ...................212, 245
quality ......................................213
running out of fuel .................214
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................208
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................208, 212
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......137
Fuses ..................................138±139
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............211
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................214
Gauges .........................................16GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................127
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................127
H
Hazard flashers .........................137
Headlamps ...................................34
aiming ........................................35
bulb specifications ....................36
daytime running lights .............34
flash to pass ..............................35
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs .........................37
turning on and off ....................34
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........31±32
Hood ..........................................189
I
Ignition ...............................105, 245
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..93
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................219
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................178
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................35
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................149
positioning ...............................149
Index
251