WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly (1) to release pressure
before pushing in the button (2).
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the
steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped)
4. Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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3.0L DOHC V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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BRAKE/CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED) FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake/clutch (if equipped) system
could be compromised, seek service
from an authorized Mazda dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle 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 warmed up
(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.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
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Fluid Classification Application Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1API service
GL-4, SAE
75W-90Manual transaxle
(2WD)2.3L (2.4
quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4WD)2.4L (2.5
quarts)2
MERCONATF 2.3L / 3.0L
engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler9.6L (10.2
quarts)3
Transfer Case API service
GL-5, SAE
75W-140
Synthetic
Lubricant4WD
(Automatic)0.35L (12
ounces)
API service
GL-5, SAE
80W-904WD (Manual) 0.35L (12
ounces)
Engine coolant
4Mazda
yellow-colored
Premium Engine
Coolant2.3L I4 engine
with manual
transaxle5.0L (5.3
quarts)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transaxle6.0L (6.3
quarts)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transaxle10.0L (10.6
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantAPI service
GL-5, SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4WD 1.4L (2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidN/A All 4.5L (4.8
quarts)
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1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. DO NOT MIX
different colors or types of coolant. DO NOT USE Extended Life Engine
Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine coolantin this
chapter.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
For further information on your lubrication specifications, see your
authorized Mazda dealer.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 2.3L I4 engine 3.0L DOHC V6 engine
Cubic inches 140 183
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.049–0.053 inch
(1.25–1.35mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression ratio 9.7:1 10.0:1
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................163
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................93–94, 101, 104
and child safety seats ..............95
description ................94, 101, 104
disposal ............................101, 107
driver air bag ............96, 102, 105
indicator light .........100, 103, 107
operation ...................96, 102, 105
passenger air bag .....96, 102, 105
side air bag ..............................101
Air cleaner filter .......................252
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................31
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................232
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................163–164
Anti-theft system ........................68
arming the system ....................68
disarming a triggered system ..69
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................249
fluid, checking ........................249
Automatic transmission ............167
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................169
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
Auxiliary power point .................48
Axle
refill capacities ........................253
B
Battery .......................................230acid, treating emergencies .....230
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................230
servicing ..................................230
BeltMinder ...................................88
Brakes ........................................162
anti-lock ...........................163–164
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................164
fluid, checking and adding ....249
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
fluid, specifications .................255
lubricant specifications ..........255
parking ....................................164
shift interlock ..........................167
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................38
C
Calculating load ........................152
Capacities for refilling fluids ....253
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cell phone warning ...................259
Certification Label ....................257
Child safety restraints ..............108
child safety belts ....................108
Child safety seats ......................111
attaching with tether straps ..115
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............211
instrument panel ....................213
interior .....................................214
interior trim ............................214
Mazda car care products .......215
plastic parts ............................213
washing ....................................210
waxing .....................................210
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Index
Index
260