2005 MAZDA MODEL 6 HATCHBACK maintenance

qWater Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will concentrate
and harden to form white rings. The rings
can damage your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.
qPaint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.
NOTE
lThe paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For
example, when traveling at 90 km/h
(56 mph), the paint chipping zone is
50 m (164 ft).
lIn low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
lChipped paint can lead to rust
forming on your Mazda. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
Mazda touch-up paint according to
the instructions in this section.
Failure to repair the affected area
could lead to serious rusting and
expensive repairs.
8-48
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care

Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
q Maintaining the Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes. To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDon't use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
lDon't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may damage
the protective coating; also, cleaners
and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
lTo prevent damaging the antenna,
remove it before entering a car wash
facility or passing beneath a low
overhead clearance.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-49

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors. 3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
8-50
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care

CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
q Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge or
soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster,
wax the wheels.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-51

Interior Care
qDashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They'll damage and discolor it.
If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
qCleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leatherí
Real leather isn't uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.
Wipe it with a dampsoft cloth; then dry
and buff it with a drysoft cloth.
Fabricí
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner. To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
CAUTION
Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
q
Cleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt
Webbing
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Don't bleach
or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.
After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there is
no remaining moisture before retracting
them.
WARNING
Damaged Seat Belt:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection. Have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer replace damaged belts
immediately.
8-52
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care

qCleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them
with glass cleaner. Follow the directions
on the container.
CAUTION
Don't scrape or scratch the inside of the
rear window. You may damage the rear
window defroster grid.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-53

Service Publications
Factory-authorized Mazda service publications are available for owners who wish to do
some of their own maintenance and repair.
When requesting any of our publications through an Authorized Mazda Dealer, refer to the
chart below.
If they don't have what you need in stock, they can order it for you.
PUBLICATION ORDER NUMBER PUBLICATION DESCRIPTION
9999-95-063B-05 2005 WORKSHOP MANUAL (English)
9999-95-039G-05 2005 WIRING DIAGRAM (English)
9999-95-078C-05 (U.S.A. only) 2005 OWNER'S MANUAL
9999-EC-078C-05 (Canada only) 2005 OWNER'S MANUAL
9999-PR-078C-05 (Puerto Rico only) 2005 OWNER'S MANUAL
q WORKSHOP MANUAL:
Covers recommended maintenance and repair procedures of the drive train, body and
chassis.
qWIRING DIAGRAM:
Provides electrical schematics as well as component location for the entire electrical
system.
qOWNER'S MANUAL:
This booklet contains information regarding the proper care and operation of your vehicle.
This is not a technician's manual.
9-20
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Service Publications

A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-55
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-44
Air Filter ............................................ 8-21
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-47
Antenna ............................................. 6-16
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-7Warning light ............................... 5-7
Appearance Care ............................... 8-47
Ashtray .............................................. 6-49
Audio System ................................... 6-16
Audio control switch .................. 6-40
Audio set .................................... 6-23
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-16
Safety certification ..................... 6-42
Automatic Transaxle Driving tips ................................ 5-15
Fluid ........................................... 8-18
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-12
Shift-lock system ........................ 5-11
Transaxle ranges ........................ 5-10
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-16
Maintenance ............................... 8-28
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep sounds
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-37
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-37
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-37
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-6 After getting in ............................. 4-6
Before getting in .......................... 4-6
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-21
B
Bottle Holder ..................................... 6-51
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-16
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-7
Foot brake .................................... 5-4
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-8
Parking brake ............................... 5-5
Warning light ............................... 5-6
Break-In Period ................................... 4-7
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-33
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Cargo Securing Loops ...................... 6-53
Cargo Sub-Compartment .................. 6-54
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-14
Center Box ........................................ 6-52
Center Console .................................. 6-52
Child Restraint
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-32
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-39
Child Safety Locks for Rear Doors ..... 3-9
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-48
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2 Gas specifications ...................... 10-6
Clock ................................................. 6-47
Courtesy Lights ................................. 6-45
Cruise Control ................................... 5-16
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-50
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
11-2
Index