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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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9. If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures.
Refer to theMaintenance product specifications and capacities
section in this chapter for the correct fluid type. The use of any
other non-approved fluid may cause internal transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 50–95°F
(10–30°C). DO NOT ADD fluid
until the transmission is at
normal operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by an authorized dealer.
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure that the vehicle cannot
move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Brake fluid and clutch
fluid (if equipped)AllHigh Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidBetween MIN and MAX
on reservoir
1
Door weather strips All Silicone Lubricant —
Hinges, door checks,
latches, striker plates,
fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracksAll Multi-Purpose Grease —
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots,
brake and clutch pedal
shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft
spline (manual
transmission)AllPremium Long-Life
Grease—
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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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