TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
•Refer to your Service Maintenance Section for scheduled check and
change intervals.
• Transmission does not consume fluid.
• Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
• Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
• DO NOT ADD fluid until the transmission is at normal operating
temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
To check and add fluid: 1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating temperatures.
• If vehicle was driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
2. Engage parking brake, start engine.
3. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly through all of the gear ranges.
4. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
6. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.
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Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
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CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
• Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
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The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change) Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Premium
Motor Oil2.3L engine 3.8L (4.0
quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5 quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Premium
Motor Oil 4.0L V6 engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid DOT 3 Brake FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
6
Power steering
fluidMazda
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
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5Traction-Lok axles use 2.2–2.4L (4.75–5.0 pints) of rear axle lubricant.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. Service refill
capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4
inch to 9/16 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
6Brake fluid will drop slowly as the brakes wear and will rise when brake
components are replaced. Fluid levels below the MAX line that do not
trigger the brake warning light are within the normal operating range,
there is no need to add fluid. If the levels are outside the normal
operating range, the performance of your brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your local Mazda dealer immediately.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4) SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axle SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
4
Door weather strips
Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant3
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches, striker
plates, fuel filler door hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots, brake and clutch
pedal shaft, clutch pilot bearing and
input shaft spline (manual
transmission). Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual) MERCON
AT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E and
5R55E) MERCONVATF
2
Windshield washer fluid
Ultra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
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1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. If submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCON and MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCON and MERCONV. Refer to your service maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
3Do not mix different types or colors of engine coolant.
4Brake fluid will drop slowly as the brakes wear and will rise when brake
components are replaced. Fluid levels below the MAX line that do not
trigger the brake warning light are within the normal operating range,
there is no need to add fluid. If the levels are outside the normal
operating range, the performance of your brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your local Mazda dealer immediately.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 2.3L I4 engine 3.0L V6 engine 4.0L V6 engine
Cubic inches 138 182 245
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.04-1.19mm
(0.041-0.047
inch)1.07-1.17mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS EDIS
Compression
ratio 9.7:1 9.14:1 9.7:1
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................110
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................77and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................77
disposal ......................................83
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................83
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................84
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................202
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................110–111
Audio system 6-CD in dash .............................22
Single CD ..................................19
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18–19, 22, 26
Automatic dimming rear view
mirror ...........................................46
Automatic transmission ............114 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specification ..................244
Auxiliary power point .................45
Axle lubricant specifications ..243–244
refill capacities ........................240
traction lok ..............................113
B
Battery .......................................200 acid, treating emergencies .....200
jumping a disabled battery ....157
maintenance-free ....................200
servicing ..................................200
Bed extender ..............................53
BeltMinder ...................................73
Brakes ........................................110 anti-lock ...........................110–111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................111
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specifications .........243–244
lubricant specifications ..243–244
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................36
C
Calculating load ........................127
Capacities for refilling fluids ....240
Cassette tape player .............19, 22
Cell phone warning ...................248
Certification Label ....................247
Changing a tire ...................49, 149
Child safety restraints ................90 child safety belts ......................90
Child safety seats ........................93 attaching with tether straps ....98
in front seat ..............................95
in rear seat ................................95
LATCH .....................................101
tether anchorage hardware .....98
Chimes (warning) .......................16
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Index
Index
249