Black plate (240,1)
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.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-18)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-16)
lEngine oil level (page 8-14)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-21)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-31)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-20)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-19)
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.
lAir filter (page 8-23)
lEngine coolant (page 8-16)
lEngine oil (page 8-14)
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page240
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (242,1)
Engine Compartment Overview
Engine oil
dipstick
Fuse block
Air filter
Battery
Brake/Clutch fluid
reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap
Engine coolant
reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Power steering
fluid reservoir
Main fuse
Automatic transaxle fluid-level
dipstick (only for automatic transaxle)
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page242
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (248,1)
4. Drain the system completely. Insert and
tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
5. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
7. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid
Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page248
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (249,1)
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with water
and get medical attention. Brake fluid
spilled on a hot engine could cause a
fire. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on yourself or on the engine.
Low Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels:
Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and cause
an accident. If you find a low fluid
level, have the brakes and clutch
inspected.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
lBrake and clutch fluid will damage
painted surfaces. If brake or clutch
fluid does get on a painted surface,
wipe it off immediately.
lUsing nonspecified brake and clutch
fluids (page 10-4) will damage the
systems. Mixing different fluids will
also damage them.
If the brake/clutch system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don't operate the vehicle for long
periods when the power steering fluid
level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (250,1)
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION
lLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
lUse specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Idle the engine about two minutes.
Push down on the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges
and set it at P.
WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
A
LowFull
B
Low
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the level must be between Full
and Low.
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page250
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (312,1)
Specifications
qEngine
ItemModel
2.0-liter engine 2.3-liter engine
Type DOHC-16V in-line, 4-cylinder
Bore×Stroke 87.5 × 83.1 mm (3.44 × 3.27 in) 87.5 × 94.0 mm (3.44 × 3.70 in)
Displacement 1,999 ml (1,999 cc, 121.9 cu in) 2,261 ml (2,261 cc, 137.9 cu in)
Compression ratio 10.0 9.7
qElectrical System
Item Classification
Battery 12V-40AH/5HR, 12V-52AH/5HR, 12V-55AH/5HR
Alternator 12 V - 90 A
Starter2.0-liter engine 12 V - 1.0 kW
2.3-liter engine 12 V - 1.4 kW
Spark-plug number L303 18 110
*
Spark-plug gap 1.25―1.35 mm (0.049―0.053 in)
* ex factory
NOTE
When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on
the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
qLubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oilRefer to the recommended SAE viscosity numbers on page
8-13.
Manual transaxle oilAny temperatureAPI Service GL-4 or GL-5
SAE 75W-90
Above 10°C (50°F)API Service GL-4 or GL-5
SAE 80W-90
Automatic transaxle fluid ATF M-V
Power steering fluid ATF M-III or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® III)
Brake/Clutch fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
10-4
Specifications
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page312
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (318,1)
A
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-36
Air Filter ............................................ 8-23
Antenna ............................................. 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-7
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Appearance Care ............................... 8-52
Ashtray .............................................. 6-40
Audio System ................................... 6-10
Audio control switch .................. 6-32
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-10
Safety certification ..................... 6-34
Automatic Transaxle
Driving tips ................................ 5-15
Fluid ........................................... 8-20
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-12
Shift-lock override ..................... 5-11
Shift-lock system ........................ 5-11
Transaxle ranges ........................ 5-10
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-14
Maintenance ............................... 8-28
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-41
Beeps
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-41
Seat belt warning beep Sounds ... 5-41
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-41
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-6
After getting in ............................. 4-6
Before getting in .......................... 4-6
B
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-22
Bottle Holder ..................................... 6-42
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-18
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-7
Brakes assist ................................. 5-8
Foot brake .................................... 5-4
Parking brake ............................... 5-5
Warning light ............................... 5-6
Break-In Period ................................... 4-7
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-35
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Cargo Securing Loops ...................... 6-43
Cargo Sub-Compartment .................. 6-43
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-14
Center Console .................................. 6-43
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions ......... 2-21
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-25
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-31
Child Safety Locks for Rear Doors ..... 3-9
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-40
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-6
Clock ................................................. 6-39
Cruise Control ................................... 5-17
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-41
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
11-2
Index
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (319,1)
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-29
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-44
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-50
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ......................................... 3-7
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-15
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-8
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-14
Flooded engine ........................... 7-14
Jump-starting .............................. 7-15
Push-starting .............................. 7-18
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-19
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-16
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-20
Oil .............................................. 8-13
Overheating ................................ 7-12
Starting ......................................... 5-3
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-12
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-12
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-28
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-54
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-51
Headlights .................................. 5-42
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing ...................................... 7-6
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Flexible Floor Board ......................... 6-44
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ................... 8-10
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-46
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-4
Front Seats .......................................... 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-18
Gauge ......................................... 5-28
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-45
Panel description ........................ 8-48
Replacement ............................... 8-45
G
Glove Box ......................................... 6-42
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-51
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-8
Headlights
Control ....................................... 5-42
Flashing ...................................... 5-44
High-low beam .......................... 5-44
Leveling ..................................... 5-44
On reminder ............................... 5-43
Hood Release .................................... 3-20
Horn .................................................. 5-51
Index
11-3
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J