CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
²2.3L I4 engine
²3.0L V6 engine
²4.0L V6 engine
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance and Specifications
220
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine,check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range.
Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the ªMAXº line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your Mazda dealer immediately.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
221
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
²Refer to yourService Maintenance Sectionfor scheduled check and
change intervals.
²Transmission does not consume fluid.
²Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
²Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
²DO NOT ADD fluid until the transmission is at normal operating
temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
²If vehicle was driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
2. Engage parking brake, start engine.
3. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
4. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
6. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
Maintenance and Specifications
223
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
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................110
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................77
and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................77
disposal ......................................83
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................83
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................84
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................202
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................110±111
Audio system
6-CD in dash .............................22
Single CD ..................................19
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18±19, 22, 26
Automatic dimming rear view
mirror ...........................................46
Automatic transmission ............114
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specification ..................244
Auxiliary power point .................45
Axle
lubricant specifications ..243±244
refill capacities ........................240
traction lok ..............................113
B
Battery .......................................200acid, treating emergencies .....200
jumping a disabled battery ....157
maintenance-free ....................200
servicing ..................................200
Bed extender ..............................53
BeltMinder ...................................73
Brakes ........................................110
anti-lock ...........................110±111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................111
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specifications .........243±244
lubricant specifications ..243±244
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................36
C
Calculating load ........................127
Capacities for refilling fluids ....240
Cassette tape player .............19, 22
Cell phone warning ...................248
Certification Label ....................247
Changing a tire ...................49, 149
Child safety restraints ................90
child safety belts ......................90
Child safety seats ........................93
attaching with tether straps ....98
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
LATCH .....................................101
tether anchorage hardware .....98
Chimes (warning) .......................16
Index
Index
249
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............175
instrument panel ....................178
interior .....................................178
interior trim ............................178
Mazda car care products .......179
plastic parts ............................177
washing ....................................174
waxing .....................................174
wheels ......................................175
wiper blades ............................177
Clock adjust
AM/FM Stereo ...........................18
AM/FM stereo CD .....................20
AM/FM stereo tape/CD/MP3 ....23
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................26
Single CD ..................................19
Clutch
fluid ..........................................222
operation while driving ..........117
recommended shift speeds ....118
Compass, electronic ..............46±47
calibration .................................48
set zone adjustment .................47
Console ........................................53
Coolant
checking and adding ..............202
refill capacities ................205, 240
specifications ..................243±244
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer
Assistance ..................163±164, 167
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................34Dipstick
engine oil .................................194
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........243
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................226
Driving under special
conditions ..................119, 121±122
mud ..........................................122
sand .........................................122
snow and ice ...........................123
through water .................122±123
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................157
Emergency Flashers .................137
Emission control system ..........217
Engine ........................................245
cleaning ...................................175
coolant .....................................202
idle speed control ...................200
limp to safety cooling .............206
lubrication
specifications ..................243±244
refill capacities ........................240
service points ..................190±192
starting after a collision .........137
Engine block heater .................109
Engine oil ..................................194
checking and adding ..............194
dipstick ....................................194
filter, specifications ................198
recommendations ...................198
refill capacities ........................240
specifications ..................243±244
Exhaust fumes ..........................110
Index
250
storage .............................149±152
Jump-starting your vehicle ......157
K
Keyless remote entry system -
see Remote entry system ...........55
Keys
positions of the ignition .........105
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................36
courtesy .....................................36
daytime running light ...............34
fog lamps ...................................34
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps .....................36±37
replacing
bulbs .................. 36±37, 39, 41±42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
LATCH anchors .........................101
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........111
Limited slip axle
(see Traction-Lok) ....................113
Limp to Safety Cooling .............206
Load limits .................................124
Loading instructions .................124
Lubricant specifications ...243±244
Lumbar support, seats ...............64
M
Manual transmission .................117fluid capacities ........................240
lubricant specifications ..........244
reverse .....................................118
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................46
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Motorcraft parts ........................214
O
Octane rating ............................212
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................194
Overdrive .....................................52
Overheating ...............................148
P
Parking brake ............................112
Passive anti-theft system
(PATS) .........................................60
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................142
Power door locks ........................55
Power point .................................45
Power steering ..........................113
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacity ................240
fluid, specifications .........243±244
Power Windows ...........................45
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................113
R
Radio ..........................18±19, 22, 26
Single CD ..................................19
Relays ........................................138
Index
252