•steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the
key, rotate the steering wheel
until the key turns freely. This
condition may occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
3
2
1
5
4
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Driving
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4WD system indicator lights
•4x4- Momentarily illuminates
when the vehicle is started.
Illuminates when 4H (4WD High)
is engaged.
•4x4 LOW– Momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system
2H (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand,
steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage
while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
4x4
4x4
LOW
4H
2H4L
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USA(fus)
Driving
162
OWNER MAINTENANCE
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.
While operating your vehicle
•Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
•Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in the
straight ahead position.
•Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
•When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard to push” brake pedal.
•If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
•Check automatic transmission Park function.
•Check parking brake.
At least monthly
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
•Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
•Check engine oil level.
•Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
•Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
•Check power steering fluid level.
•Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
•Check and clean body and door drain holes.
•Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
•Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
•Check parking brake for proper operation.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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Maintenance and Specifications
244
octane rating ...................243, 263
quality ......................................244
running out of fuel .................244
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................240
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......168
Fuses ..................................169–170
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............242
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................245
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................168
Headlamps ...................................42
aiming ........................................44
bulb specifications ....................46
daytime running lights .............43
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................42
replacing bulbs .........................47
turning on and off ....................42
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................39–40
Hood ..........................................221
I
Ignition ...............................146, 263
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..99
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................250
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................210cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................43
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................179
positioning ...............................179
storage .....................179, 182–183
Jump-starting your vehicle ......189
K
Keys .......................................62, 67
positions of the ignition .........146
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................46
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................42
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps .....................46–47
replacing bulbs .........................47
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................45
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........153
Load limits .................................129
Loading instructions .................135
Locks
doors ..........................................62
Lubricant specifications ...........259
Lug nuts ....................................187
M
Manual transmission .................159
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Index
270
Spark plugs, specifications .......263
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................259
Speed control ..............................57
Starting your vehicle .......146–147,
149
jump starting ..........................189
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................54
T
Tether anchors ..........................102
Tilt steering wheel ......................54
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Roadside Emergencies ...........179
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....124
Tires ...........................108–109, 179
alignment ................................117
care ..........................................113
changing ..........................179, 184
checking the pressure ............113
inflating ...................................110
label .........................................123
replacing ..................................114
rotating ....................................117
safety practices .......................116
sidewall information ...............119
snow tires and chains ............129
spare tire .................................180
terminology .............................109
tire grades ...............................109
treadwear ........................108, 113
Towing .......................................135recreational towing .................144
trailer towing ..........................135
wrecker ....................................194
Traction-lok rear axle ...............155
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................256
Transmission
automatic operation ...............156
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....156
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................255
lubricant specifications ..........259
manual operation ....................159
Turn signal ..................................45
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................265
Vehicle loading ..........................129
camper bodies ........................145
Ventilating your vehicle ...........149
W
Warning chimes ...........................17
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................225
Water, Driving through .............167
Windows
power .........................................55
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................53
checking and adding fluid .....225
checking and cleaning ............225
replacing wiper blades ...........226
Wrecker towing .........................194
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
272