WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
²Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
²an improperly inflated tire
²uneven tire wear
²loose or worn suspension components
²loose or worn steering components
²improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Driving
128
3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
205
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
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
229
Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1API service
GL-4, SAE
75W-90Manual transaxle
(2WD)2.7L (2.85
quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4X4)2.2L (2.32
quarts)2
MERCONtATF 3.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler12.7L (13.4
quarts)3
Transfer Case SAE 75W-140
Synthetic
Lubricant4X4 (Automatic) 0.35L (12
ounces)
API service
GL-5, SAE
80W-904X4 (Manual) 0.35L (12
ounces)
Engine coolant
4Mazda
yellow-colored
Premium Engine
Coolant2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
manual
transaxle5.0L (5.3
quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine with
automatic
transaxle10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantAPI service
GL-5, SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 1.4L (2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidn/a All 2.6L (2.7
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 your scheduled 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
245
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
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............191
instrument panel ....................193
interior .....................................194
interior trim ............................193
Mazda car care products .......195
plastic parts ............................192
washing ....................................190
waxing .....................................190
wheels ......................................191
wiper blades ............................193
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............44
Clock ......................................26, 39
Clutch
fluid ..................................227, 230
operation while driving ..........135
recommended shift speeds ....136
Console ........................................67
overhead ..............................58±59
Controls
power seat .................................82
Coolant
checking and adding ..............212
refill capacities ................216, 244
specifications ..........................246
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................63
Customer Assistance .......179±180,
183
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................48
Defrost
rear window ..............................47Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................228
engine oil .................................206
Door locks ...................................70
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 141, 144
sand .........................................143
snow and ice ...........................145
through water .................143, 147
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................171
Emission control system ..........225
Engine ........................................247
cleaning ...................................191
coolant .....................................212
idle speed control ...................210
lubrication specifications .......246
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..................204±205
Engine block heater .................124
Engine oil ..................................206
checking and adding ..............206
dipstick ....................................206
filter, specifications ................209
recommendations ...................209
refill capacities ........................244
specifications ..........................246
Exhaust fumes ..........................124
F
Fluid capacities .........................244
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
description ..............................139
Index
252
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