4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Is the seat adjusted properly?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
• Is everyone’
s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-23).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-23).
Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep sound will be heard
when any door is opened. 1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not
pushed down all the
way.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not
in P or N.
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5-9
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Manual Transmission Shift
Pattern
The shift pattern of the transmission is
conventional, as shown.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
(5-speed transmission)
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to R (reverse). The shift
lever must be put in neutral before being
shifted to R.
(6-speed transmission)
Vehicles with 6-speed transmission are
equipped with a device to prevent shifting
to R (reverse) by mistake. Apply greater
than normal force when shifting to R.
Manual Transmission
Operation
5-speed transmission
6-speed transmission Neutral position
Neutral position
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Do not use sudden
engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds.
• Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don’
t use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
• Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is
still moving may damage the
transmission.
NOTE
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-17
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
To Decrease Cruising Speed
Turn the control knob to SET/COAST and
hold it. The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the knob at the speed you want.
To Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 40 km/h (25 mph)
If some other method besides the CRUISE
MAIN switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the control knob is turned to
RESUME/ACCEL.
If vehicle speed is below 40 km/h (25
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 40
km/h (25 mph) and turn the control knob
to RESUME/ACCEL.
To Cancel
To turn off the system, use one
of these
methods:
• Press the CRUISE MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• Depress the clutch pedal. (Manual
transmission only)
The system is off when the ignition is off.
Control knob
Control knob
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
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8-1
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
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 Fluid .............................................................................. 8-18
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................. 8-19
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ...................................... 8-21
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-22
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-23
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-24
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-25
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-27
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-28
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-32
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-36
Appearance Care ......................................................................... 8-40
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-40
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-42
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-47
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8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
CHASSIS and BODY Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or
kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first) Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
× 1000 km 8 1624324048566472808896
× 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000km (5,000miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages II
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
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8-9
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
*5 This is a full function check of electrical systems such as lights, wiper and washer systems (including wiper blades), and power windows.
*6 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
Maintenance
Interval
(Number of
months or
kilometers (miles),
whichever
comes first) Months 6 121824303642485460667278849096
× 1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
× 1000 miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Evaporative system IIIIIIII
All electrical system
*5IIIIIIII
Brake pedals and clutch pedals IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connections IIIIIIII
Clutch fluid IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*6IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and lines IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and gear
housing IIIIIIII
Steering linkages, tie rod ends
and arms IIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension and
ball joints IIII
Automatic transmission fluid
level IIIIIIII
Drive shaft dust boots IIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
body TTTTTTTT
Body condition (for rust,
corrosion and perforation)
(except Australian model) Inspect annually
Exhaust system heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Tire (including spare tire)(with
inflation pressure adjustment) IIIIIIII
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8-10
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Owner Maintenance
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.
When Refueling
• Brake and clutch fluid level (page 8-18)
• Engine coolant level (page 8-15)
• Engine oil level (page 8-13)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-22)
At Least Monthly
• Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
• Automatic transmission fluid level (page 8-21)
• Power steering fluid level (page 8-20)
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.
• Air filter (page 8-24)
• Engine coolant (page 8-15)
• Engine oil (page 8-14)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
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