Black plate (126,1)
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
Mazda6_8W89-EA-06K_Edition1 Page126
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (129,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allowanyone to stand behind a wheel whenpushing the vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, window
scraper, flares, a small shovel, jumper
cables, and a small bag of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-20.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but don't use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-27).
lDon't use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (162,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep 5-34
Door-Ajar Warning Light5-36
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-36
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light5-36
Security Indicator Light5-36
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-37
Shift Position Indicator Light5-37
TCS Indicator Light5-37
TCS OFF Indicator Light5-38
Cruise Main Indicator Light5-38
Cruise Set Indicator Light5-38
Light-On Indicator Light5-38
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-39
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda6_8W89-EA-06K_Edition1 Page162
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (168,1)
qDoor-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light comes on when any
door isn't securely closed.
qLow Washer Fluid Level
Warning Lightí
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-27).
qAutomatic Transaxle Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light illuminates when the transaxle
has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transaxle warning light
illuminates, the transaxle has an
electrical problem. Continuing to drive
your Mazda in this condition could
cause damage to your transaxle.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
qSecurity Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda6_8W89-EA-06K_Edition1 Page168
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (175,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid orplain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result
in an accident.
Do not use the washer without firstwarming the windshield and never useplain tap water:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
temperatures is dangerous. The
washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don't resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. Drive to the side of the road
and park off the right-of-way. Wait until
the weather clears before trying to drive
with the wipers inoperative.
qWindshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
MIST ―Mist
INT ―Intermittent
1 ― Low speed
2 ― High speed
For a single wiping cycle, push the lever
up to MIST.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-43
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (176,1)
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to INT and choose the
interval timing by rotating the ring.
INT ring
qWindshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
OFF
Washer
NOTE
With the wiper lever in the OFF or INT
position, the wipers will operate
continuously until the lever is released.
If the washer doesn't work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-27). If it's OK, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Rear Window Wiper and
Washerí
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
q Rear Window Wiper
Turn the wiper on by turning the rear
wiper/washer switch.
ON ―Normal
INT ―Intermittent
qRear Window Washer
To spray washer fluid, turn the rear wiper/
washer switch to theposition. After
the switch is released, the washer will
stop.
If the washer doesn't work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-27). If it's OK and the
washer still doesn't work, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
Mazda6_8W89-EA-06K_Edition1 Page176
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (265,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 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 ....................................................................... 8-20
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-22
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-23
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-24
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-27
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-28
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-28
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-33
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-34
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-39
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-49
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-54 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-54
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-56
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-59
8-1
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K
Black plate (271,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play II
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, replace the spark plugs every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-7
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Form No.8W89-EA-06K