Page 266 of 340
6. Run the engine at idle with the coolingsystem 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.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Page 267 of 340

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
q Inspecting 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).
2.3-liter engine
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
Page 268 of 340

If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
3.0-liter engine
Inspect the fluid level at each engine oil
change. Add fluid if necessary; it does not
require periodic changing.
LowOK
High Loosen
Tighten
The level must be kept between the H and
L marks.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
1. Park on a level surface, well off the
right-of-way, and set the parking brake
firmly.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
3. Remove the filler cap and attached dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between H and L. Add fluid if necessary.
Don't overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
q Inspecting 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.
8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Page 269 of 340

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.
Low B
Full
A
Full
A
Full
BLow
Low
3.0-liter engine 2.3-liter engine
(Reference)
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 (2.3-liter engine)
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.
Fluid cold scale B (3.0-liter engine)
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the fluid level should be close to,
but not above, the bottom notch on the
dipstick.
CAUTION
lUse the cold scale only as a
reference.
lIf outside temperature is lower than
about 20°C (70°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
lIf the vehicle has been driven for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect the
level only after stopping the engine
and allowing the fluid to cool for 30
minutes.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it doesn't pass full.
NOTE
Inspect the fluid on both sides of the
dipstick in a well lit area for an accurate
reading.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
Page 283 of 340
Light Bulbs
Luggage compartment
light (Hatchback)
High-mount brake light
(Sedan)
Headlights
(High beam) Headlights
(Low beam)
Overhead light/
Map lights
Luggage compartment light
Sport Wagon
Taillights
Side-marker lights License plate lights Courtesy lights
Front turn signal lights Parking lights
Reverse lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
High-mount brake light
Fog lights
Sedan/5-Door
Taillights
Side-marker lights
License plate lights
Courtesy lights
Front turn signal lights Parking lights
Reverse lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights Trunk light
Fog lights
High-mount brake light (Hatchback) Headlights
(High beam) (Low beam)
Headlights Map lights
Overhead light/
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
Page 285 of 340
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear turn signallights
(Sedan)
1. Pull the center section of the plasticretainer and remove the retainers and
partially open the trunk side trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket. Brake lights/Taillights
Rear turn signal lights
4. 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
8-35
Page 286 of 340
(5-Door)
1. Turn the knob and remove the cover.
Left sideRight side
2. Pull the strap and remove the cover.
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.
8-36
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Page 287 of 340
(Sport Wagon)
1. Turn the knob and remove the cover.
Left sideRight side
2. Pull the strap and remove the cover.
3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Reverse lights, Taillights
(Sedan)
1. Pull the center section of the plasticretainer and remove the retainers, then
remove the trunk rear trim.
Installation
Removal
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Reverse lights
Taillights
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-37