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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)
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Owner Maintenance
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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)
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Owner Maintenance
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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
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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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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
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
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Light Bulbs
Side turn signal lightsFront turn signal lights/
Side-marker lightsRear turn signal lightsLicense plate light
Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Headlights (Low beam)
Headlights
(High beam)
Fog lightsBrake lights/Taillights
Reverse light High-mount brake light
Trunk light 4 Door
5 DoorOverhead light (Rear)
Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Headlights (Low beam)
Headlights
(High beam)
Side turn signal lightsFog lights
License plate light
High-mount brake light
Luggage compartment
lightOverhead light (Rear)
Rear turn signal lights Brake lights/Taillights
Reverse light
Some models.
Front turn signal lights/Side-
marker lights
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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2. Detach the electrical connector from
the unit by pulling it to the rear.
3. Install the new side turn signal unit in
the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
Bulb replacement is not possible
because it is built into the unit. Replace
the unit.
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear turn signal
lights (4 Door)
1. Pull the center of each plastic retainer
and remove the retainers and the trunk
end trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Pull the center of each plastic retainer
and remove the retainers and partially
open the trunk side trim.
Removal
Installation
3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Brake lights/Taillights
Rear turn signal lights
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Brake lights/Taillights(5 Door)
With LED bulb
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
LED bulb replacement is not possible.
The rear combination component must
be replaced.
With Non-LED bulb
1. Remove the cover.
Left side
Right side
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Rear turn signal lights (5 Door)
1. Remove the cover.
Left side
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Owner Maintenance
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