Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in the
Driving chapter.)
•Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourService Maintenance Section
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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•If steam is coming from the engine compartment:do not go near
the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position without starting the engine. The radiator cooling
fans will start to cool the engine.
•If neither coolant nor steam is escaping:open the hood and idle
the engine until it cools. If this does not lower the temperature, stop
the engine and let it cool.
5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, look for leaks in the radiator
hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator and
water pump.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking, stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda dealer.
SeeAdding coolantin theMaintenance and specificationssection. If
you find no problems, the engine is cool and no leaks are obvious,
carefully add coolant as required.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
Note:If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have
the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged
unless repairs are made.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
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Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight
and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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CHART SYMBOLS
I: Inspect and if necessary, correct, clean or replace
AAdjust
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
Normal driving service intervals — perform at the months or distances
shown, whichever occurs first.
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(x 1000 km) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
ENGINE
Engine oil — every 6 months RRRRRRRRRRR R
Oil filter — every 6 months RRRRRRRRRRR R
PCV valve *3
AIR CLEANER
Air cleaner filter R R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs *4
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine Coolant (green) Replace at first 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36
months, after that, every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
or 24 months
Engine Coolant (yellow) Replace at first 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 60
months; after that, every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
or 36 months
Coolant condition and protection,
hoses and clamps — annually —
prior to cold weather every 12
monthsIII I
CHASSIS AND BODY
Wheel lug nut torque *1 IIIIIIIIIII I
Inspect tires for wear and rotate (X
= recommended interval for optimal
tire life)IXIXXIXXIXX I
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*5 The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty nor
limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
Schedule 1 continued
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
x 1000
miles65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
(x 1000 km) (104) (112) (121) (128) (136) (144) (152) (160) (168) (176) (184) (192)
ENGINE
Engine oil — every 6
monthsRRRRRRRRRRRR
Oil filter — every 6 monthsRRRRRRRRRRRR
PCV valve *3
AIR CLEANER
Air cleaner filter R R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs *4 R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine Coolant (green) Replace at first 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months, after
that, every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Coolant (yellow) Replace at first 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 60 months;
after that, every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 36 months
Coolant condition and
protection, hoses and
clamps — annually —prior
to cold weather every 12
monthsIIII
CHASSIS AND BODY
Wheel lug nut
torque*1IIIIIIIIIIII
Inspect tires for wear and
rotate (X = recommended
interval for optimal tire
life)XX I XX I XX I XX I
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•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
•Check air pressure in spare tire.
•Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
•Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
•Check cooling system fluid level and verify coolant specific gravity is
correct for summer or winter conditions.
•Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
•Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Information” to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40° F (4.5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection.
Failure to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired windshield vision and increase
the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
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will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine’s cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant, or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Mazda specification.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
•maximum cooling system efficiency.
•freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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