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Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-30).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-30).
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4.(Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transaxle)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the clutch
pedal isnotdepressed all the way.
(Automatic transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever isnotin P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
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Manual Transaxle Operation
qManual Transaxle Shift Pattern
Neutral position
The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to R (reverse). The shift
lever must be put in neutral before being
shifted to R.
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead
to loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
CAUTION
lKeep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don't use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
lMake sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is still
moving may damage the transaxle.
NOTE
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
qRecommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
2.3-liter engine
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 26 km/h (16 mph)
2 to 3 45 km/h (28 mph)
3 to 4 53 km/h (33 mph)
4 to 5 63 km/h (39 mph)
For cruising
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 to 3 32 km/h (20 mph)
3 to 4 50 km/h (31 mph)
4 to 5 68 km/h (42 mph)
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-9
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qTo Decrease Cruising Speed
Press the SET/COAST button and hold it.
The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the button at the speed you want.
Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the SET/COAST
button. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
qTo Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 30 km/h (19 mph)
If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RES/ACCEL button is
pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 30 km/h (19
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 30
km/h (19 mph) and press the RES/
ACCEL button.
qTo Cancel
To turn off the system, useoneof these
methods:
lPress the ON/OFF switch.
lSlightly depress the brake pedal.
lDepress the clutch pedal (Manual
transaxle only).
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-21
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8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ....... 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico) ............................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-15
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-15
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-16
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-17
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-18
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-21
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-24
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-25
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-26
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-29
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-30
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-30
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-32
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-37
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-38
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-43
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-53
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-58
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-58
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-60
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-63
8-1
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Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-24)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-21)
lEngine oil level (page 8-19)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-29)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-39)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-26)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-25)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lAir filter (page 8-30)
lEngine coolant (page 8-21)
lEngine oil (page 8-19)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-15
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Engine Compartment Overview
Power steering
fluid reservoirWindshield washer
fluid reservoir
Fuse block
Air filter Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir Engine coolant
reservoir
Engine coolant
reservoirAutomatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle) Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle) 2.3-liter engine
3.0-liter engine
Battery Engine oil dipstick
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Power steering
fluid reservoir Cooling system capEngine oil-filler cap
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Air filter
Fuse blockBattery
Engine oil-filler cap Engine oil dipstickCooling system cap
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
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3.0-liter engine Loosen
Tighten
Tighten
Loosen
3. Remove the radiator drain plug and
drain the coolant into a suitable
container. Properly dispose of the used
coolant.
4. Flush out the system with running
water.
5. Drain the system completely. Insert and
tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
6. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
7. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
8. 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.
9. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time and verify that the coolant level is
between the F and L marks.
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.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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