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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
WARNING: A hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has been
running, parts of the engine compartment can become very hot.
You could be burned. Don’t inspect the coolant system or add
coolant when the engine is hot.
• 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 lit 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).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
• Manual transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine 1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped)
4. Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine coolant bleed valve
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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3.0L DOHC V6 engine 1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air filter assembly
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
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2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine
compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
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Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to Maintenance
product specifications and capacities in this chapter.
AIR FILTER
Refer to scheduled maintenance for the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
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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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