Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic
bottle). Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) 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. Open the coolant bleed valve on the back of the engine water outlet. (See Identifying components in the engine compartment earlier in
this section for the location of the bleed valve). If the bleed valve
leaks coolant when opened, there is no air in the engine. If the bleed
valve does not leak coolant when opened, leave it open and continue
to the next steps.
6. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture.
7. Close the bleed valve when coolant begins to seep from it.
8. Continue filling to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the reservoir. Reinstall the cap on the coolant
reservoir. Turn the cap until it is tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration.
Refer to the Checking engine coolant section. 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.
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).
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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%.
• 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.
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•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 (2.5L 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 service engine soon
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.
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.
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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
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
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 you hear
a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel™ “no cap”
fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.
WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
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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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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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Cleaning your vehicleengine compartment ..............248
instrument panel ....................250
interior .....................................251
Mazda car care products .......252
plastic parts ............................249
washing ....................................247
waxing .....................................247
wheels ......................................248
wiper blades ............................250
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clock ............................................19
Clutch fluid ..........................................289
operation while driving ..........198
recommended shift speeds ....199
Console ........................................52 overhead ....................................51
Controls power seat .................................86
Coolant checking and adding ..............271
refill capacities ................275, 293
specifications ..........................293
Cruise control .............................57
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................57
Customer
Assistance ..................236–237, 240
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................40
Dipstick automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................289
engine oil .................................265 Driving under special
conditions ..................197, 201, 204
sand .........................................203
snow and ice ...........................205
through water .................203, 206
E
Electronic stability control ......187
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................228
running out of fuel .........228, 281
Emergency Flashers .................207
Emission control system ..........286
Engine ........................................295 cleaning ...................................248
coolant .....................................271
fail-safe cooling .......................276
idle speed control ...................269
lubrication specifications .......293
refill capacities ........................293
service points ..................261–262
starting after a collision .........207
Engine block heater .................182
Engine oil ..................................265 checking and adding ..............265
dipstick ....................................265
filter, specifications ................268
recommendations ...................268
refill capacities ........................293
specifications ..........................293
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................181
F
Fail safe cooling ........................276
Fluid capacities .........................293
Foglamps .....................................39
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