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Changing the air filter element
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
•2.5L I4 engine
•3.0L V6 engine
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.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
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General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MazdaGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Mazda material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
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Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build up.
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•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item ApplicationPart name or
equivalentCapacity
Brake fluid and (clutch
fluid–if equipped)AllHigh Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidBetween MIN and MAX
on reservoir
Engine coolant2.5L engine•MazdaPremium
Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)
•MazdaSpecialty
Orange 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 Oil5.3 quarts (5.0L)
3.0L engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)
Power Transfer Unit
Fluid4WD with
automatic
transmissionAPI service GL-5
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic
Lubricant
12 ounces (0.35L)
4WD with manual
transmissionAPI service GL-5
SAE 80W-90
Manual transmission
fluidManual
transmissionAPI service GL-4
SAE 75W-902.4 quarts (2.3L)
2
Automatic transmission
fluidAutomatic
transmissionMERCONLV AT F
3
9.0 quarts (8.5L)
4
Rear axle fluid 4WDSAE 80W-90 Axle
Lubricant2.4 pints (1.15L)
5
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Item ApplicationPart name or
equivalentCapacity
Windshield washer fluid AllUltra-Clear Windshield
Washer ConcentrateFill as required
Fuel tank All — 17.5 gallons (66.2L)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. Check the coolant reservoir bottle
labeling for the correct fluid type to use. Do not mix different colors or types of coolant. Do not
use Mazda Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine coolantin
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 MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenanceto 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
Engine 2.5L I4 engine 3.0L V6 engine
Cubic inches 152 183
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane or E85
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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IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Safety Compliance Certification Label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the structure (B-Pillar)
by the trailing edge of the driver’s
door or the edge of the driver’s
door.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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