Black plate (442,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 6-31)lEngine coolant level (page 6-29)lEngine oil level (page 6-28)lWasher fluid level (page 6-31)
At Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 6-41)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lEngine coolant (page 6-29)lEngine oil (page 6-27)
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 6-2), 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.
Refer to Introduction (page 6-2) for owner's responsibility in protecting your investment.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If you
are 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.
6-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page442
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (446,1)
Engine Compartment Overview
Windshield washer fluid reservoir Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstickBattery Fuse block
Cooling system cap Engine coolant reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap
6-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page446
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (449,1)
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 either 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 F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool.
If it is at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.
CAUTION
ØRadiator coolant will damage
paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
6-29
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (450,1)
ØUse only soft (demineralized)
water in the coolant mixture.
Water that contains minerals will
cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
ØDo not add only water. Always
add a proper coolant mixture.
ØThe engine has aluminum parts
and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
ØDO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
ØDO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.
ØDo not use a solution that
contains more than 60%
antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
ØIf the“FL22”mark is shown on or
near the cooling system cap, use of
FL-22 is recommended when
replacing engine coolant. Using
engine coolant other than FL-22
may cause serious damage to the
engine and cooling system.If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (487,1)
qPlastic Part Maintenance
lWhen cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
lIf plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
lHigh water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended
period of time, it could deform plastic
parts or damage the paint.
lDo not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
lIn addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result in
deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage.
Interior Care
WARNING
Do not spray water in the cabin:
Splashing water on electrical parts
such as the audio unit and switches
is dangerous as it could cause a
malfunction or a fire.
qDashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They will damage and discolor
the dashboard. If these solutions get on
the dashboard, wipe them off
immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
Instrument panel top (soft pad)
lExtremely soft material is used for the
soft pad surface. When cleaning, it is
recommended that you use a clean
towel dampened in a mild detergent to
remove soiling.
lIf the soft pad surface is rubbed
harshly, it could result in the surface
being damaged leaving white scratch
marks.
qCleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
6-67
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (508,1)
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
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 either
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 the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not 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 is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-18
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (509,1)
If you find a leak or other damage, or if
coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Cooling system cap
Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
If you find no problems, the engine is
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page
6-29).
CAUTION
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the
cooling system inspected. The engine
could be seriously damaged unless
repairs are made. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
7-19
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Black plate (517,1)
qIf the high engine coolant
temperature warning light (red)
illuminates or flashes
The light flashes when the engine coolant
temperature is extremely high, and
illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load until
you can find a safe place to stop the
vehicle and wait for the engine to cool
down.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of
overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating (page 7-18).
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high
engine coolant temperature warning
light illuminated. Otherwise, it could
result in damage to the engine.
qIf the lane departure warning
system (LDWS) OFF Indication/
Indicator Light is indicated
í
Type A
If the indication remains displayed even
though the LDWS switch has been
operated, it indicates a problem in the
system. Have your vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Type B
A problem in the system may be indicated
under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
lThe light does not turn on when the
ignition is switched ON.
lIt remains illuminated even though the
LDWS switch has been switched off.
CAUTION
ØAlways use tires for all wheels that
are of the specified size, and the
same manufacture, brand, and
tread pattern. In addition, do not
use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the
same vehicle. If such improper
tires are used, the LDWS may not
operate normally.
ØWhen an emergency spare tire is
used, the system may not operate
normally.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-27íSome models. Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page517
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K