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6 –22 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Owner Maintenance PrecautionsThe owner or a qualified service technician should make these ve hicle 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
Brake and clutch fluid level (page 6-31 )
Engine coolant level (page 6-29 )
Engine oil level (page 6-28 )
Washer 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.
Engine coolant (page 6-29 )
Engine 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 w aste 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.
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6 –25 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance Closing the Hood1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and all
loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers,
etc.) have been removed.
2. Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on
the support rod, and secure the support
rod in the clip. Verify that the support
rod is secured in the clip before closing
the hood.
ClipPa d
3. Lower the hood slowly to a height of
about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
CAUTION When closing the hood, do not push
it excessively such as by applying your
weight. Otherwise, the hood could be
deformed.
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6 –26 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Engine Compartment OverviewW indshield washer fluid reservoir Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick
Battery Fuse blockCooling system cap
Engine coolant reservoirEngine oil-filler cap
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6 –27 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Engine OilNOTE
Changing the engine oil should be
performed by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Refer to Introduction (page 6-2 ) for
owner's responsibility in protecting your
investment.
Recommended OilU.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Use SAE 0W-20 engine oil.
Mazda Genuine Oil is used in your
Mazda vehicle. Mazda Genuine 0W-20
Oil is required to achieve optimum fuel
economy. For maintenance service, Mazda
recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and
Castrol ®
(U.S.A. only).
(ILSAC)
Only use SAE 0W-20 oil “Certified For
Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system
protection standards and fuel economy
requirements of the International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Committee
(ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers. 80
60
4020
0–40 –20 30
100 4020
100
–10–20
–30–40
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6 –28 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance Except U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine friction.
For maintenance service, Mazda
recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and
Castrol ®
(Mexico only).
(ILSAC)
(Mexico)
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil. If SAE 5W-30
engine oil is not available, use SAE 5W-20
engine oil. The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label. 80
60
4020
0–40 –20 30
100 4020
100
–10–20
–30–40
Inspecting 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.
MINMAX
OK
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
The level is normal if it is between the
MIN and MAX marks.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION Do not overfill the engine oil. This may
cause engine damage.
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6 –32 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; 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. 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.
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6 –62 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter
using lukewarm or cold water before
washing.
Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolor or deteriorate
the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign material from the
underside of the fenders, and make sure
the drain holes in the lower edges of the
doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits
can damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish. After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take off
the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest
of the vehicle does not need it.
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6 –66 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Convertible Top (Retractable
Fastback) MaintenanceWashing
To help protect the retractable fastback's
finish, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash
it.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if they are not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use an automatic car wash.
Do not spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and the
retractable fastback meet. This would
probably cause water to enter the cabin.
Do not use strong soap, chemical
detergents, or hot water, and do not
wash the retractable fastback in direct
sunlight or when the surface is warm.
Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cold
water. Do not allow soap to dry on the
finish.
Waxing
Wax the retractable fastback when water
no longer beads on the paint. Always wash
and dry it before waxing.
CAUTION
Wiping off dust or dirt with a dry cloth
will scratch the finish.
Do not use abrasive wax. This may
damage the protective coating and
discolor or deteriorate the paint. NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take off
the wax. Rewax these areas.
Drainage outlet cleaning procedure
There are drainage outlets on the left and
right of the lower side of the rear window. Rear roof Drainage
outlet
Rear window
NOTE
If leaves or other foreign matter block
the drainage outlets, water may enter the
cabin. Clean the drainage outlets at least
once a year.
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