
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer to scheduled maintenance information for 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.
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 the Maintenance 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.
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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.
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.
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6. Fluid level should be at thebottom 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 capacities section in this
chapter.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Ensure 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 capacities section in this
chapter.
2008 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
257

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Ensure 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 capacities section in this
chapter.
AIR FILTER
Refer to scheduled maintenance for the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, only use a genuine Mazda air filter
element.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
ItemApplicationMazda part name or
equivalent Capacity
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if equipped) AllHigh Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid Between MIN and MAX
on reservoir
1
Door weather strips AllSilicone Lubricant —
Hinges, door checks,
latches, striker plates, fuel filler door hinge and seat tracks All
Multi-Purpose Grease —
Transmission
/steering/parking brake linkages and pivots,
brake and clutch pedal shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft spline (manualtransmission) All
Premium Long-Life
Grease —
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(mbs)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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ItemApplicationMazda part name or
equivalent Capacity
Fuel tank Regular 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 to Adding
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 MERCON V should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCON V. Refer toscheduled maintenance to 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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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
263

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................151
Air cleaner filter ...............258, 260
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86and 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) ................235
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................151–152
Anti-theft system ........................66
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 26
Automatic transmission ............156 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................157
fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....32
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle lubricant specifications ..........260
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................233 acid, treating emergencies .....233
jumping a disabled battery ....189
maintenance-free ....................233
servicing ..................................233 Belt-Minder
...............................82
Booster seats ...............................96
Brakes ........................................151 anti-lock ...........................151–152
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................153
fluid, checking and adding ....254
fluid, specifications .................260
lubricant specifications ..........260
parking ....................................153
shift interlock ..........................156
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................46
C
Cargo cage ...................................60
Cell phone warning ...................268
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 .............................................96
Chimes (warning) .......................17
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............208
instrument panel ....................211
interior .....................................211
Mazda car care products .......212
plastic parts ............................210
washing ....................................207
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................208
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lubricant specifications ..........260
reverse .....................................160
Mirrors .........................................56 fold away ...................................57
side view mirrors
(power) ...............................56–57
Motorcraft parts ........................241
O
Octane rating ............................245
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................227
Overdrive ...............................59–60
Overheating ...............................188
P
Parking brake ............................153
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................73
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................173
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .......................56–57
Power point .................................54
Power steering ..........................154 fluid, checking and adding ....252
fluid, specifications .................260
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................155
R
Radio ................................19, 21, 26
Relays ........................................169
Remote entry system .................63 illuminated entry ......................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........63
panic alarm ...............................63
replacing the batteries .............64
S
Safety defects, reporting ..........206
Safety restraints ..............71, 75–79 Belt-Minder .............................82
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................76–79
for children .........................94–95
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................73
seat belt maintenance ..............80
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety restraints - tether
anchors ......................................102
Safety seats for children ............99
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................266
Satellite Radio Information ........35
Scheduled Maintenance ...........213
Seat Belt Maintenance ...............80
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................71, 75–79
Seats ............................................69 child safety seats ......................99
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................66
Servicing your vehicle ..............221
Setting the clock AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM stereo CD .....................21
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................27
Snowplowing .................................7
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USA (fus)
Index
272