Black plate (108,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (111,1)
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but don't use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-23).
lDon't use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.
q Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
Except Brazil
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
Brazil
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WARNING
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls (page 5-24).
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (120,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-20).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
q Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)í
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don't
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
5-6
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (148,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-20).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
q ABS Warning Lightí
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (243,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance .................................................................... 8-11 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8-11
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-12
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-13
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-14
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-17
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-20
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-21
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-21
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-23
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-24
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-24
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-26
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-29
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-32
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-37
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-47
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-54 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-54
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-56
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-59
8-1
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
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qSchedule 2
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 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy,
adjust
Drive belts (tension) I
Engine oil Puerto Rico Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Others
RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system II
Engine coolant FL22 type
*1Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years ;
after that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years
Others Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years ;
after that, every 2 years
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter Puerto Rico R R
Others R
Fuel lines and hoses
*2II
Hoses and tubes for emission*2I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
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 I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension and ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Mazda3_8T96-EA-04J_Edition3 Page248
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (251,1)
qSchedule
Maintenance
Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 ×1000miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy, adjust
Drive belts
*1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine oil*2RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*2RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system IIIIIIII
Engine coolant FL22
type
*3R
Others Replace every 2 years
Air filter
*4CCRCCRCC
Spark plugs
*5
Iridium
type Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
except
Iridium
type RRRR
Idle speed
(ZJ, ZY and Z6 engine) IIIIIIII
Fuel filter RRRR
Fuel lines and hoses IIIIIIII
Evaporative system (if installed) IIIIIIII
Battery electrolyte level and
specific gravity IIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connections IIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*6IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit (brake booster)
and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Drum brakes (if installed) IIIIIIII
Power steering fluid, lines, hoses
and connections IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkage IIIIIIII
Manual transaxle oil R
Automatic transaxle fluid level IIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension and
ball joints IIII
Driveshaft dust boots IIII
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-9
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J
Black plate (252,1)
MaintenanceInterval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 ×1000miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
body TTTTTTTT
All electrical system
*7IIIIIIII
Body condition
(for rust, corrosion and perfora-
tion) Inspect annually
Cabin air filter (if installed) RRRRRRRR
Tires (including spare tire)
(with inflation pressure adjust-
ment) IIIIIIII
Chart symbols
I:
Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
C: Clean
Remarks
*1 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*2 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the engine oil and oil filter more often
than recommended intervals.
a) Driving in dusty conditions
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only.
*3 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often than the recommended intervals.
*5 Verify the spark plug type from the spark plug itself. Refer to specifications on page 10-4.
*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.
*7 This is a full function check of electrical systems such as lights, wiper and washer systems (including wiper blades), and power windows.
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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Form No.8T96-EA-04J