Page 244 of 322

Black plate (244,1)
The quality designation SL, or ILSAC
must be on the label.
5W-20
120 100 80
60 40
20
0 –20
50 40 30
20 10
0 –10
–20 –30
qInspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes
for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
OK Full
Low
OK Full
Low Type A
Type B
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
It's OK between MIN and MAX.
But if it's near or below MIN, add
enough oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION
Don't add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
The distance between MIN and MAX on
the dipstick represents the following:
Oil capacity
L (US qt, Imp qt) 0.75 (0.79, 0.66)
qChanging Engine Oil and Filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3).
Please act responsibly―protect the
environment and take used oil to a
recycling facility. Ask your dealer or a
service station for information.
WARNING
Handling Used Engine Oil:
Continuous contact with used engine
oil is dangerous. It could cause skin
cancer. Always wash with soap and
water immediately after changing oil
and filter.
CAUTION
Remove any oil splatter from the
exhaust manifold, the exhaust pipe and
the shield. Oil left on these areas will
smoke when the engine is running.
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page244
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Page 245 of 322

Black plate (245,1)
Changing engine oil
WARNING
Checking or Changing Engine Oil:
Hot engine oil is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, the engine
oil becomes very hot. You could be
seriously burned. Don't check or
change the engine oil when the engine
is hot.
1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes
and turn it off. Remove the oil-filler
cap.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
3. Replace the drain plug washer after the
oil has thoroughly drained.
4. Reinstall the plug tightly.
5. Fill the engine with new oil to the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
6. Securely reinstall the oil-filler cap.
ForwardLoosen
Drain plugTighten
7. Start the engine and inspect around the
drain plug for leaks.
8. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the
oil to return to the oil pan.Check the oil level and fill to the MAX
mark if necessary.
Oil capacity (General reference only,
refer to Specifications section for
capacities.)
NOTE
lThe indicated engine oil capacities
are for general reference purposes
only. When adding or changing oil,
verify the engine oil level with the
oil dipstick.
lUse only specified engine oil (page
10-4).
Changing oil filter
Because you need a special tool to
retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer should do the work.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-15
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Page 319 of 322

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