Check the wiper blades for wear at least twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments
used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
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 theCleaning
chapter.
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 toscheduled maintenancefor 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 transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
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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.
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1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be
in the cross-hatched area.
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Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Engine coolant2.3 L I4 engine
with manual
transmission
Premium Engine
Coolant
2
10.5 quarts (10.0L)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic
transmission10.2 quarts (9.7L)
3.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission15.1 quarts (14.3L)
3.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission14.8 quarts (14.0L)
4.0L V6 engine
with manual
transmission13.7 quarts (13.0L)
4.0L V6 engine
with automatic
transmission13.2 quarts (12.5L)
Engine oil2.3L I4 engine
SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil4.0 quarts (3.8L)
3.0L V6 engine 4.5 quarts (4.3L)
4.0L V6 engine SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil 5.0 quarts (4.7L)
Power steering fluid All MERCONVATFFill between MAX / MIN
line on reservoir
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Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Transfer case fluid
(4X4)4x4 VehiclesTransfer Case Fluid
1.25 quarts (1.2L)
Manual transmission
fluid5-speed manual MERCONV ATF 2.8 quarts (2.65L)
3
Automatic transmission
fluid (5R44E and
5R55E)4x2 vehicles with
2.3L I4 engine
MERCONVATF
4
9.9 quarts (9.4L)
5
4x2 vehicles with
3.0L or 4.0L
engines10.0 quarts (9.5L)
5
4x4 vehicles with
3.0L or 4.0L
engines10.3 quarts (9.8L)
5
Front axle fluid (4X4) 4x4 VehiclesSAE 80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle Lubricant3.6 pints (1.7L)
Rear axle fluid AllSAE 80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle Lubricant5.0-5.3 pints (2.4-2.5L)
6
Windshield washer fluid AllUltra-clear Windshield
Washer Concentrate2.75 quarts (2.6L)
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Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Fuel tankRegular cab
(Short wheel
base)—17 gallons (64.4L)
Cab Plus 4 19.5 gallons (73.8L)
1Brake fluid will drop slowly as the brakes wear and will rise when brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the MAX line that do not trigger the brake warning light are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to add fluid. If the levels are outside the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek service from your authorized
dealer immediately.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant. Do not use Mazda Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding
engine coolant, in this chapter.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenanceto determine
the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
transmission damage.5Indicates 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.6Traction-Lok axles use 4.75–5.0 pints (2.2–2.4L) of rear axle lubricant. Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of
Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole.
If submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) /
Restraint System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label . The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Five-speed automatic (5R44E/5R55E) D
Five-speed manual (HD) J
Five-speed manual (R1) R
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT:XXRC:XXDSO:
WB BRK INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR XXXXX
XXX X XX X XX X XX XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-XXXXXXX-XX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
VIN:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
TYPE:XXX XXXXX DATE:XX/XX GVWR:XXXXXLB/ XXXXXKG
FRONT GAWR: XXXXL REAR GAWR: XXXXLB
AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD XXXXKG WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXXTIRES
XXXX.XXRIMSXXXXKG WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXXTIRES
XXXX.XXRIMS
FOR MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................151
Air cleaner filter ...............257, 259
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................86
disposal ......................................91
driver airbag ........................86, 89
indicator light ...........................90
operation .............................86, 89
passenger airbag .................86, 89
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................234
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................151–152
Anti-theft system ........................66
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 27
Automatic transmission ............156
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................157
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....32
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........259
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................232
acid, treating emergencies .....232
jumping a disabled battery ....189
maintenance-free ....................232
servicing ..................................232Belt-Minder...............................82
Booster seats ...............................95
Brakes ........................................151
anti-lock ...........................151–152
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................153
fluid, checking and adding ....252
fluid, specifications .................259
lubricant specifications ..........259
parking ....................................153
shift interlock ..........................156
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................46
C
Cargo cage ...................................60
Cell phone warning ...................267
Changing a tire .........................179
Child safety restraints ................95
child seat belts .........................95
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ............................100
in rear seat ..............................100
tether anchorage hardware ...102
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................95
Chimes (warning) .......................17
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............207
instrument panel ....................210
interior .....................................210
Mazda car care products .......211
plastic parts ............................209
washing ....................................206
waxing .....................................206
wheels ......................................207
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Index
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