If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27° C (80° F), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your authorized Mazda dealership.
Cleaner air
Mazda endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
• Your “Check Engine” indicator may come on. For more information on
the “Check Engine” indicator, refer to the Instrument Cluster
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized Mazda dealership. Refer
to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Refill capacities
section of this chapter.
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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:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
• Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
• Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
• Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
• Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
• Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
• Have 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.
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Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
• Slow down gradually.
• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
• You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between fourth and fifth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
• Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
• Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
• Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
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•Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
• Have the items listed in your service maintenance section performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Mazda authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda parts in
performance and durability.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
CHECK
ENGINEindicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your “Warranty Information” for complete emission
warranty information.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimes section of the Instrument cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
• First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
• Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
•2.3L I4 engine
• 3.0L V6 engine
• 4.0L V6 engine
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
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Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT 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 “MAX” 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
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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.
•Refer to your Service Maintenance Section for scheduled check and
change intervals.
• Transmission does not consume fluid.
• Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
• Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
• DO 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.
• If 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.
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