•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
• Check air pressure in spare tire.
• Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
• Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, seat belt) for
operation.
• Check cooling system fluid level and verify coolant specific gravity is
correct for summer or winter conditions.
• Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
• Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Retightening lug nuts
• Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
• Refer to Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specification in theTires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we provide scheduled maintenance
information which makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Information”
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
• Automatic transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Mazda specification . Do not use any
special washer fluid such as
windshield water repellent type fluid
or bug wash. They may cause
squeaking, chatter noise, streaking
and smearing. Refer toRefill
capacities in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common
windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper
blades or washer system.
WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40° F (4.5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection.
Failure to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired windshield vision and increase
the risk of injury or accident.
Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
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.
WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT ONLY
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Changing the wiper blades1. 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 to Windows and wiper blades in 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 to scheduled maintenance for 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 dipstick.
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7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil 1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is within the normal range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap 1/4 turn until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine Oil Recommendations
2.3L & 3.0L Engines
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
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5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine’s cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant, or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Mazda specification.
A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
• maximum cooling system efficiency.
• freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
• boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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•3.0L & 4.0L engines
When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
• The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
• Confirm the color and type of engine coolant before adding, to avoid
mixing incompatible products.
• Refer to scheduled maintenance for service interval schedules.
• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.
WARNING: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle location.
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For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles, which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
Note:The 3.0L and 4.0L V6 engines use the overflow system, and the
2.3L I4 engines use the degas system.
WARNING: To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being
released from the engine cooling system, never remove the
reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. Failure to
follow this warning may result in possible severe personal
injury and damage to the engine’s cooling system.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps: 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see above), to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD”
level on the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow
system, fill the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is
almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
to Checking engine coolant. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34° F/–36° C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
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If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Mazda
specification. Use of a recycled engine coolant which does not meet
Mazda specifications may harm engine and cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C ]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
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