2011 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (392,1)
The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label.
–30 –20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-30
qInspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engine
Full
OK
Low
Type A
Type B Full
OK
Low
2.3-liter turbocharged engine
Max
Min OK
5. Pull it out again and examine the level. The level is normal if it is between
Low or MIN and Full or MAX.
If it is near or below Low or MIN, add
enough oil to bring the level to Full or
MAX.
CAUTION
Do not add engine oil over Full or
MAX. This may cause engine
damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page392
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (393,1)
Engine Coolant
qInspecting Coolant Level
WARNING
Do not use a match or live flame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become
very hot. You could be burned.
Carefully inspect the engine coolant
in the coolant reservoir, but do not
open it.
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 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.
NOTE
Changing the coolant should be done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year ―at the beginning of the
winter season ―and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the MAX and MIN
marks on the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.
If it's at or near MIN, add enough coolant
to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to MAX.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-21
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page393
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (394,1)
CAUTION
ØRadiator coolant will damage
paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Ø Use only soft (demineralized)
water in the coolant mixture.
Water that contains minerals will
cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
Ø Don't add only water. Always add
a proper coolant mixture.
Ø The engine has aluminum parts
and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
Ø DO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
Ø DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.
Ø Don't use a solution that contains
more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness. NOTE
If the
“FL22” mark is shown on or near the
cooling system cap, it is recommended to use
Mazda Genuine FL22 engine coolant (page
8-3).
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
8-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page394
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (395,1)
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.
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_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page395
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (396,1)
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
q Inspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
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 It 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_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page396
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (397,1)
4. While the engine is still idling, pull outthe 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
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.
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
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page397
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (398,1)
Washer Fluid
qInspecting Washer Fluid Level
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze
Protection in Cold Weather: Operating your vehicle in
temperatures below 4 degrees C (40
degrees F) using washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection is dangerous
as it could cause impaired windshield
vision and result in an accident. In
cold weather, always use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection.
NOTE
State or local regulations may restrict the use
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which
are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in
washer fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC
content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and
climates in which the vehicle will be operated.
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.
To inspect the washer fluid level in the
front reservoir, pull off the cap. Then,
holding your thumb over the hole in the
center of the cap, lift it straight up. The
fluid level can be seen from the fluid
column in the pipe. Add fluid if necessary.
Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable. But use only washer fluid in
cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
NOTE
Front and rear washer fluid is supplied from
the same reservoir.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page398
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (399,1)
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
Ø To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don't use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
Ø When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf the rain sensor is struck with
a hand or other object from
inside the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When
washing or servicing your Mazda,
make sure the wiper lever is in the
OFF position.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page399
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F