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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 transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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.
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.
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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. Ifnecessary, 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
transmission 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.
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.
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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.
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
• 2.5L
• 3.0L
2. Pull the air filter housing cover away.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could
cause filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not
properly seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
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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
Engine coolant 2.5L engine
Mazda yellow-colored
Premium Engine Coolant
1
7.4 quarts (7.0L)
3.0L engine 9.5 quarts (9.0L)
Engine oil (including filter change) 2.5L engine
SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil 5.0 quarts (4.73 L)
3.0L engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)
Transfer case fluid 4WD with
automatic
transmission API service GL-5
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Lubricant 12 ounces (0.35L)
4WD with manual transmission API service GL-5
SAE 80W-90
Manual transmission fluid Manual
transmission API service GL-4
SAE 75W-90 2.4 quarts (2.3L)
2
Automatic transmission
fluid Automatic
transmission MERCON
LV AT F
3
9 quarts (8.5L)
4
Rear axle fluid 4WDSAE 80W-90 Axle
Lubricant 2.4 pints (1.15L)
5
Windshield washer fluid All Ultra-Clear Windshield
Washer Concentrate 4.8 quarts (4.5L)
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ItemApplicationMazda part name or
equivalent Capacity
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 LV should only use MERCON LV fluid. Refer to
scheduled 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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ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine2.5L I4 engine 3.0L DOHC V6 engine
Cubic inches 152 183
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.049–0.053 inch (1.25–1.35mm) 0.045–0.049 inch
(1.15–1.25mm)
Compression ratio 9.7:1 10.3:1
Engine drivebelt routing
• 2.5L I4 Engine
• 3.0L V6 Engine
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) /
Restraint System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a transmission code on
the Safety Compliance Certification
Label . The following table tells you
which transmission each code
represents.
Description Code
Five-speed manual 3
Six-speed automatic 6
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT:XX RC: XXDSO:
WB BRK INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR XXXXX
XXX X XX X XX X XX \
XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXX-XXXXXXX-XX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
TYPE: XXX XXXXX
DATE: XX/XX GVWR:
XXXXXLB/ XXXXXKG
FRONT GAWR: XXXXL REAR GAWR: XXXXLB
AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD XXXXKG
WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXX TIRES
XXXX.XX RIMSXXXXKG
WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXX TIRES
XXXX.XX RIMS
FOR MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................184
Accessory delay ..........................55
Air cleaner filter ...............291, 293
Air conditioningmanual heating and air
conditioning system .................36
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................108, 117, 120 and child safety seats ............110
description ..............108, 117, 120
disposal ....................................123
driver airbag ............110, 118, 121
indicator light .........116, 119, 123
operation .................110, 118, 121
passenger airbag .....110, 118, 121
side airbag ...............................117
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................200
Ambulance packages ....................7
AM/FM .........................................19
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................271
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................184–185
Anti-theft system ........................77
Audio system (see Radio) .........19
Automatic transmission ............193 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................195
fluid, refill capacities ..............293
fluid, specification ..................293
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....27
Auxiliary power point .................53
Axle lubricant specifications ..........293 refill capacities ........................293
B
Battery .......................................269 acid, treating emergencies .....269
jumping a disabled battery ....228
maintenance-free ....................269
servicing ..................................269
Belt-Minder .............................103
Booster seats .............................137
Brakes ........................................184 anti-lock ...........................184–185
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....289
fluid, refill capacities ..............293
fluid, specifications .................293
lubricant specifications ..........293
parking ....................................186
shift interlock ..........................193
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....293
Cargo area shade ........................62
Cargo management system ........63
CD ................................................19
Cell phone warning ...................298
Child safety seats ......................128 attaching with tether straps ..134
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ..............................129
LATCH .....................................132
recommendations ...................126
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................137
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