Page 2 of 256
Brakes 125
Transmission operation 129
Vehicle loading 148
Trailer towing 151
Recreational towing 156
Roadside Emergencies 157
Hazard flasher switch 157
Fuses and relays 158
Overheating 164
Jump starting 171
Wrecker towing 177
Customer Assistance 179
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 189
Cleaning 190
Maintenance and Specifications 196
Engine compartment 204
Engine oil 206
Battery 210
Fuel information 217
Air filter(s) 231
Refill capacities 244
Engine data 246
Accessories 250
Index 251
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from MNAO. MNAO may change the contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
Copyright 2003 MNAO
Table of Contents
2
Page 7 of 256
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Window Lockout
Personal Alarm System
Feature
Engine OilEngine Coolant
Engine Coolant
TemperatureDo Not Open When Hot
BatteryAvoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks
Battery AcidExplosive Gas
Fan WarningPower Steering Fluid
Maintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission System
Engine Air FilterTraction Control
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was accurate at the time of printing.
Mazda may change the contents without notice.
Introduction
7
Page 42 of 256

²The CD player has been designed to play CDs bearing the
identification logo as shown. No other discs can be played.
²Do not stick paper or tape on the CD. Avoid scratching the reverse
side of the CD (the side without a label).
²Dust, finger smudges, and dirt can decrease the amount of light
reflected from the signal surface, thereby effecting sound quality.
Gently wipe a soiled CD with a soft cloth from the center to the edge.
²Do not use record sprays, antistatic agents, or household spray
cleaners. Volatile chemicals such as benzine and thinner can also
damage the surface of the CD and must not be used. Do not use
anything that can damage, warp or fog CDs.
²Keep CDs in their cases and avoid direct sunlight to avoid warping.
²The CD player ejects the CD if inserted upside down. Also dirty
and/or defective CDs may be ejected.
²Do not insert cleaning discs into the CD player.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 12 cm
(4.75 in) audio compact discs only. Due to technical
incompatibility, certain recordable and re-recordable compact
discs may not function correctly when used in Mazda CD players.
Irregular shaped CDs, CDs with a scratch protection film
attached, and CDs with homemade paper (adhesive) labels should
not be inserted into the CD player. The label may peel and cause
the CD to become jammed. It is recommended that homemade
CDs be identified with permanent felt tip marker rather than
adhesive labels. Ball point pens may damage CDs. Please contact
your dealer for further information.
CD AND CD CHANGER CARE
²Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.
²Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended
periods of time.
RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio
and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies AM
and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies are:
AM 530, 540±1600, 1610 kHz
FM 87.7, 87.9±107.7, 107.9 MHz
Not all frequencies are used in a given area.
Entertainment Systems
42
Page 198 of 256

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
x 1000 Km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
(x 1000 Miles) (7.5) (15) (22.5) (30) (37.5) (45) (52.5) (60) (67.5) (75) (82.5) (90)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and
connectionsIII
Disc brakes I I I
Drum brakes I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Rear differential oil
(for 4WD)*2 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Front and rear suspension ball
jointsIII
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
bodyIII
Exhaust system heat shields I I I
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amountIIIIII
Compressor operationIIIIII
*1 According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties.
However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed
at the recommended time or mileage (kilometrage) period to ensure
long-term reliability.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be
changed.
Maintenance and Specifications
198
Page 201 of 256

at the recommended time or mileage (kilometrage) period to ensure
long-term reliability.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be
changed.
OWNER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
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
²Brake and clutch fluid level
²Engine coolant level
²Engine oil level
²Washer fluid level
At Least Monthly
²Tire inflation pressures
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
²Automatic transaxle fluid level
²Power steering fluid level
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Informationº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
201
Page 209 of 256

5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the service maintenance section.
Mazda production and replacement oil filters are designed for added
engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Mazda material and design specifications, start-up engine
noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Genuine Mazda oil filter (or
another brand meeting Mazda specifications) for your engine application.
Maintenance and Specifications
209
Page 244 of 256

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
Page 245 of 256

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