If necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
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 recommended coolants. Use of a recycled engine coolant
which does not meet the Mazda recommended coolant, 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%.
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•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.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze 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
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
• The
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
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When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore: 1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item Application Mazda part name or
equivalent Capacity
Brake fluid and (clutch fluid–if equipped) All High Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid Between MIN and MAX
on reservoir
Engine coolant 2.3L I4 engine
with manual transaxle
Mazda yellow-colored Premium Engine Coolant
1
5.3 quarts (5.0L)
2.3L I4 engine
with automatic transaxle 6.3 quarts (6.0L)
3.0L V6 engine with automatic transmission 10.6 quarts (10.0L)
Engine oil (including filter change) 2.3L I4 engine
SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil 4.5 quarts (4.25L)
3.0L V6 engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)
Transfer case fluid 4WD with
automatic transaxle API service GL-5
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Lubricant 12 ounces (0.35L)
4WD with manual transaxle API service GL-5
SAE 80W-90
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Item Application Mazda part name or
equivalent Capacity
Manual transaxle fluid Manual transaxle
(2WD) API service GL-4
SAE 75W-90 2.4 quarts (2.3L)
2
Manual transaxle
(4WD) 2.5 quarts (2.4L)
2
Automatic transaxle
fluid Automatic
transaxle MERCON
VATF
3
10.2 quarts (9.6L)
4
Rear axle fluid 4WD SAE 80W-90 Axle
Lubricant 2.4 pints (1.15L)
5
Windshield washer fluid All Ultra-Clear Windshield
Washer Concentrate 4.8 quarts (4.5L)
Fuel tank All — 16.5 gallons (62.5L)1Add 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.2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.3Automatic transmissions that require MERCON V should only use MERCON V fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON /MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance to determine
the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
transmission damage.4Indicates 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.5Fill from 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6mm to 14mm) below bottom of fill hole.
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................166
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air cleaner filter ...............269, 271
Air conditioning manual heating and
air conditioning system ............29
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ..........97, 106, 109 and child safety seats ..............99
description ................97, 106, 109
disposal ....................................113
driver airbag ..............99, 107, 111
indicator light .........106, 109, 112
operation ...................99, 107, 111
passenger airbag .......99, 107, 111
side airbag ...............................106
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................181
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................250
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................166–167
Anti-theft system ........................68
Audio system (see Radio) .........19
Automatic transaxle fluid, adding ............................267
fluid, checking ........................267
Automatic transmission ............173 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................175
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................271
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................25
Auxiliary power point .................46 Axle
lubricant specifications ..........271
refill capacities ........................271
B
Battery .......................................248 acid, treating emergencies .....248
jumping a disabled battery ....207
maintenance-free ....................248
servicing ..................................248
Belt-Minder ...............................92
Booster seats .............................114
Brakes ........................................166 anti-lock ...........................166–167
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............167
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .................271
lubricant specifications ..........271
parking ....................................167
shift interlock ..........................173
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................36
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cargo management system ........56
Cell phone warning ...................276
Child safety restraints ..............114 child seat belts .......................114
Child safety seats ......................117 attaching with tether
straps .......................................121
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Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................114
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............227
instrument panel ....................229
interior .....................................230
Mazda car care products .......231
plastic parts ............................228
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................226
wheels ......................................227
wiper blades ............................229
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clutch fluid ..........................................267
operation while driving ..........179
recommended shift speeds ....180
Console ........................................44 overhead ....................................44
Controls power seat .................................74
steering column ........................52
Coolant checking and adding ..............250
refill capacities ................254, 271
specifications ..........................271
Cruise control .............................49
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer
Assistance ..................215–216, 219
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33 Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................267
engine oil .................................244
Driving under special
conditions ..................178, 182, 185 sand .........................................184
snow and ice ...........................186
through water .................184, 187
E
Electronic stability control ......168
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................207
Emergency Flashers .................188
Emission control system ..........264
Engine ........................................273 cleaning ...................................227
coolant .....................................250
fail-safe cooling .......................255
idle speed control ...................248
lubrication specifications .......271
refill capacities ........................271
service points ..................240–241
starting after a collision .........189
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................244 checking and adding ..............244
dipstick ....................................244
filter, specifications ................247
recommendations ...................247
refill capacities ........................271
specifications ..........................271
Exhaust fumes ..........................164
F
Fail safe cooling ........................255
Fluid capacities .........................271
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