
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the ªMINº and
ªMAXº lines 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/clutch (if equipped) system
could be compromised, seek service from an authorized Mazda dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle 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 warmed up
(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.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
228

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom
of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is
at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
230

Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²SAE class ªSº cables should be used on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P215/70R16 tires, SAE class ªSº cables can be used on both
the front and rear wheels.
²
Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the wheels.
²Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the cables or tire chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire chains on your vehicle.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)SAE 5W-20 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine4.25L (4.5
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2.0L I4 Zetec
engine61L (16 gallons)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine61L (16 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMERCONtAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
244

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................126
Accessory delay ..........................62
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................100±101, 105
and child safety seats ............102
description ......................101, 105
disposal ............................105, 109
driver air bag ..................103, 108
indicator light .................104, 109
operation .........................103, 108
passenger air bag ...........103, 108
side air bag ..............................105
Air cleaner filter .......................231
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................138
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................212
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................126±127
Anti-theft system ........................78
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..79
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 27
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................132
fluid, adding ............................228
fluid, checking ........................228
Automatic transmission ............129
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Auxiliary power point .................60Axle
refill capacities ........................244
B
Battery .......................................210
acid, treating emergencies .....210
jumping a disabled battery ....171
maintenance-free ....................210
servicing ..................................210
Brakes ........................................125
anti-lock ...........................126±127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .................246
lubricant specifications ..........246
parking ....................................127
shift interlock ..........................129
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Calculating load ........................151
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cargo area shade ........................68
CD-single .....................................17
Cell phone warning ...................250
Certification Label ....................248
Child safety restraints ..............110
child safety belts ....................110
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether straps ..117
Cigar lighter
Power Point ........................60±61
Index
Index
251

K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........121
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................51
cargo lamps ...............................49
daytime running light ...............48
fog lamps ...................................48
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....49
interior lamps .....................50±51
replacing bulbs ....... 51±52, 54±55
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................50
Liftgate ........................................68
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........126
Load limits .................................148
Loading instructions .................151
Locks
childproof ..................................71
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...........246
Luggage rack ...............................69
Lumbar support, seats .........81±82
M
Manual transaxle .......................135
fluid, checking and adding ....230
reverse .....................................136
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................244Mirrors ...................................60, 62
fold away ...................................63
heated ........................................63
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Moon roof ....................................67
Motorcraft parts ........................221
O
Octane rating ............................219
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................206
Overdrive ...................................131
Overheating ...............................164
P
Parking .......................................137
Parking brake ............................127
Passive anti-theft system
(PATS) .........................................75
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................161
Power door locks ........................70
Power Point
Cigar lighter ........................60±61
Power Seats .................................82
Power steering ..........................128
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacity ................244
fluid, specifications .................246
Power Windows ...........................61
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................129
R
Radio ......................................17, 27
Index
254

Radio reception .....................42±43
Rear window defroster ...............47
Relays ........................................158
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system ......................73
illuminated entry ......................74
locking/unlocking doors ...........70
replacing the batteries .............73
Roof rack .....................................69
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............99
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........90±95
Safety defects, reporting ..........189
Safety restraints ....................90±95
extension assembly ..................96
for adults .............................91±94
for children .............................110
lap belt ......................................97
safety belt maintenance ...........99
warning light and chime ....97±98
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............90
Seats ............................................80
child safety seats ....................113
heated ........................................83
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................75
Servicing your vehicle ..............201
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........165
Spark plugs, specifications .......247Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............5
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................246
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle ........121±123
jump starting ..........................171
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................58
Tires ...................................232±233
alignment ................................240
care ..........................................238
changing ..................165±166, 171
checking the pressure ............238
label .........................................238
rotating ....................................240
safety practices .......................243
sidewall information ...............234
snow tires and chains ............243
spare tire .................................165
terminology .............................233
tire grades ...............................233
treadwear ........................232, 242
Towing .......................................151
recreational towing .................156
trailer towing ..........................151
wrecker ....................................177
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................230
manual operation ....................135
Transmission
automatic operation ...............129
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....129
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................228
Index
255