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Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper arm. Push
the lock pin manually to release
the blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once
per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved
by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and
wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer toservice maintenance sectionfor the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
3.
Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level is within the MIN and MAX marks or the lower and
upper holes, the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN mark or the lower hole, engineoil
must be addedto raise the level within the normal operating range.
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•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the MAX
mark or upper hole may cause engine damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX or FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed inscheduled maintenance.
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Mazda production and replacement oil filters are designed for added
engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Mazda material and design specifications, start-up engine
noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Genuine Mazda oil filter (or
another brand meeting Mazda specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to thescheduled maintenancefor the
service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
working near the battery, always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
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NOTE:
•The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. 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 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
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inScheduled Maintenance.The coolant concentration
should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which equates to a
freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration testing is possible
with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the Rotunda Battery and
Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant should be maintained
at the “FULL COLD” level or within the “COLD FILL RANGE” in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•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.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the“FULL COLD” level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
•Refer to theScheduled Maintenancesection for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
WARNING: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
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