Page 301 of 412

Black plate (301,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-23)lEngine coolant level (page 8-21)lEngine oil level (page 8-20)lWasher fluid level (page 8-27)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-35)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-25)lPower steering fluid level (page 8-24)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lEngine coolant (page 8-21)lEngine oil (page 8-18)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-15
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page301
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 303 of 412
Black plate (303,1)
Engine Compartment Overview
Main fuse
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(Only for automatic transaxle) Brake/Clutch fluid
reservoir
Engine coolant
reservoir
Engine oil
dipstick
Power steering
fluid reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap BatteryFuse block
Without turbocharger
Main fuse
Brake/Clutch fluid
reservoir
Engine coolant reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
Power steering
fluid reservoir
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap BatteryFuse block
With turbocharger
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page303
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 309 of 412

Black plate (309,1)
Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Without turbocharger
With turbocharger
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire.
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes and clutch inspected: Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and
cause an accident.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
Ø Brake and clutch fluid will
damage painted surfaces. If brake
or clutch fluid does get on a
painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.
Ø Using nonspecified brake and
clutch fluids (page 10-4) will
damage the systems. Mixing
different fluids will also damage
them.
If the brake/clutch system
frequently requires new fluid,
consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-23
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page309
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 311 of 412

Black plate (311,1)
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
í
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
5AT
CAUTION
Ø Always check the automatic
transaxle fluid level according to
the following procedure. If the
procedure is not done correctly,
the automatic transaxle fluid level
cannot be measured accurately
which could lead to automatic
transaxle damage.
Ø A low fluid level can cause
transaxle slippage. Overfilling can
cause foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
Ø Use only the specified fluid. A non-
specified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
2. Make sure there is no ATF leakage from the ATF hose or the housing.
3. Shift the shift lever to the park position (P), start the engine and warm it up.
CAUTION
Do not shift the shift lever while the
engine is warming up. If the ATF level
is extremely low, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged. 4. While the engine is still idling, pull out
the dipstick and wipe it clean, and then
put it back.
5. Check the ATF level. If there is no ATF adhering 5 mm from the end of the
dipstick, add ATF.
CAUTION
If there is no ATF adhering to the
dipstick even after the engine has
been warmed up, do not drive the
vehicle. Otherwise, the automatic
transaxle could be damaged.
6. Shift the shift lever to each range and position, and make sure there is no
abnormality.
7. Drive the vehicle on city roads for 5 km (3.1 mile) or more.
8. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
9. Shift the shift lever to the park position (P), check the ATF level while the
engine is idling, and make sure that the
ATF level is within the proper level. If
the ATF level is not within the proper
level, add ATF.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
OK
Low
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25íSome models.
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page311
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 312 of 412

Black plate (312,1)
4AT
The volume of fluid changes with
temperature. Fluid must be checked while
idling the engine without driving at
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION
ØLow fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
Ø Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
2. Start the engine and depress the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges, then set it at P.
WARNING
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever: Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back. 5. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
A
Full
Low
B
Full
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the fluid level should be close to,
but not above, the bottom notch on the
dipstick.
CAUTION
Ø
Use the cold scale only as a
reference.
Ø If outside temperature is lower
than about 20°C (70°F), start the
engine and inspect the fluid level
after the engine reaches operating
temperature.
Ø If the vehicle has been driven for
an extended period at high speeds
or in city traffic in hot weather,
inspect the level only after
stopping the engine and allowing
the fluid to cool for 30 minutes.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page312
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 325 of 412
Black plate (325,1)
Light Bulbs
Side turn signal lightsRear turn signal lightsLicense plate light
Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Headlights (Low beam)
Fog lights Brake lights/Taillights
Reverse lights
High-mount brake light
Trunk light
4 Door
5 Door Overhead light (Rear)
Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Headlights (Low beam)
Side turn signal lights Fog lights
License plate light
High-mount brake light Overhead light (Rear)
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
Reverse lights
Some models.
Front turn signal lights/Side-
marker lightsHeadlights
(High beam)
Front turn signal
lights/Side-marker lights
Headlights
(High beam) Luggage
compartment light
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-39
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page325
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 330 of 412

Black plate (330,1)
Brake lights/Taillights (4 Door)
With LED bulb
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
LED bulb replacement is not possible. The
rear combination component must be replaced.
With Non-LED bulb
1. Pull the center of each plastic retainerand remove the retainers and the trunk
end trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Pull the center of each plastic retainer, then remove the retainers, and then
partially open the trunk side trim.
Removal
Installation
3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Brake lights/Taillights (5 Door)
With LED bulb
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
LED bulb replacement is not possible. The
rear combination component must be replaced.
8-44
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page330
Monday, May 19 2008 9:58 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Page 333 of 412

Black plate (333,1)
Reverse lights
4 Door
1. Pull the center section of the plasticretainer and remove the retainers, and
then remove the trunk rear trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
5 Door
1. Remove the cover. 2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
To replace the bulb, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
High-mount brake light
4 Door
1. Pull the center of each plastic retainer, and then remove the retainers and the
trunk rear trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the socket.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-47
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page333
Monday, May 19 2008 9:59 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F