Black plate (359,1)
Overheating
If the High engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates, the vehicle
loses power, or you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine is probably
too hot.
WARNING
Turn off the ignition switch and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan:
Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot:
When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the High engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,
then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
7-15
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (386,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to
work near the cooling fan:
Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.
Do not leave items in the engine compartment:
After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do
not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a
fire leading to an unexpected accident.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (394,1)
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, don't operate the
vehicle for long periods when the
power steering fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid (page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
í
qInspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
CAUTION
ØAlways 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.
ØA low fluid level can cause
transaxle slippage. Overfilling can
cause foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
ØIt is recommended to use Mazda
Genuine automatic transaxle fluid
(page 10-4).
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.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page394
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (395,1)
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
CAUTION
ØUse the cold scale only as a
reference.
ØIf outside temperature is lower
than about 20 °C (70 °F), start the
engine and inspect the fluid level
after the engine reaches operating
temperature.
ØIf 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.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it does not pass full.
NOTE
Inspect the fluid on both sides of the dipstick in
a well lit area for an accurate reading.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (485,1)
qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil2.0-liter engineWith oil filter
replacement4.3 L (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement3.9 L (4.1 US qt, 3.4 Imp qt)
2.3-liter turbocharged
engineWith oil filter
replacement5.7 L (6.0 US qt, 5.0 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement5.3 L (5.6 US qt, 4.7 Imp qt)
2.5-liter engineWith oil filter
replacement5.0 L (5.3 US qt, 4.4 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement4.6 L (4.9 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Coolant 7.5 L (7.9 US qt, 6.6 Imp qt)
Manual transaxle oil2.0-liter engine 2.77 L (2.93 US qt, 2.44 Imp qt)
2.3-liter turbocharged engine 2.5 L (2.6 US qt, 2.2 Imp qt)
2.5-liter engine 2.85 L (3.01 US qt, 2.51 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle fluid 8.14 L (8.60 US qt, 7.16 Imp qt)
Fuel tank2.0-liter engine 55.0 L (14.5 US gal, 12.1 Imp gal)
Except 2.0-liter engine 60.0 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
qDimensions
4 Door
Item Vehicle specification
Overall lengthSTANDARD TYPE 4,590 mm (180.7 in)
SPORTY TYPE 4,595 mm (180.9 in)
Overall width 1,755 mm (69.1 in)
Overall height 1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Front tread16 inch 1,535 mm (60.4 in)
17 inch 1,530 mm (60.2 in)
Rear tread16 inch 1,520 mm (59.8 in)
17 inch 1,515 mm (59.6 in)
Wheelbase 2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Specifications
10-5
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (489,1)
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type originally fitted to
your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-34.
Standard tire
(Except 2.3-liter turbocharged engine)
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
P205/55R16 89H 240 kPa (35 psi) 240 kPa (35 psi)
P205/50R17 88V 220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
(2.3-liter turbocharged engine)
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
P225/40R18 88Y 240 kPa (35 psi) 230 kPa (34 psi)
Temporary spare tire
Tire size Inflation pressure
T115/70D15 90M 420 kPa (60 psi)
T125/70D16 96M 420 kPa (60 psi)
T125/70D17 98M 420 kPa (60 psi)
qFuses
Refer to the fuse rating on page 8-51.
Specifications
10-9
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (499,1)
T
Tires
Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-34
Replacement ............................... 8-36
Rotation ...................................... 8-35
Snow tires .................................. 4-10
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-9
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-21
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description ................................. 7-22
Emergency towing ..................... 7-22
Recreational towing ................... 7-26
Trailer towing ............................. 4-15
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-25
TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-26
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-15
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-36
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-42
Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-44
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-43
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-61
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-93
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-40
ABS ............................................ 5-43
Air bag system ........................... 5-45
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-48
Brake system .............................. 5-42
Charging system ......................... 5-44
Check engine .............................. 5-44
Check fuel cap ........................... 5-46
Door-ajar .................................... 5-47
Electronic Steering Lock ............ 5-51
Engine oil pressure ..................... 5-44
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-45
High Engine Coolant
Temperature ............................... 5-45
KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-50
Low fuel ..................................... 5-46
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-47
Seat belt ...................................... 5-46
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-48
Warranty ............................................ 9-15
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-26
Weights ............................................. 10-6
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-37
Windows
Power windows .......................... 3-45
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-66
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-63
Blades replacement .................... 8-27
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
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Form No.8AR3-EA-09E