2021 MAZDA MODEL CX-3 coolant

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
Brake and clutch fluid level (page 6-27)
Engine coolant level (page 6-25)
Engine oil level (page 6-24)
Washer fluid level (page 6-27)
At Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 6-36)
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 6-25)
Engine oil (page 6-22)

Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. Th is section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.

As explained in the Introduc tion (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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Engine Compartment Overview
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Engine oil-dipstickBattery
Fuse block
Cooling system capEngine coolant reservoir
Engine oil-filler cap
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, andreinsert it fully.

MAX
MIN 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.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine Coolant
▼ Inspecting Coolant Level
WA R N I N G
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.
Pull over to a safe location, then switch
the ignition 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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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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.

Cooling system cap Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
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
 Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
If 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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than mild
detergent. Before using any detergent,
verify the ingredients. Otherwise, the
product could discolor or stain the
aluminum wheels.
NOTE
Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent
on aluminum wheels. They may damage
the coating.
Always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with
lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure to
clean the wheels after driving on dusty
or salted roads to help prevent
corrosion.
Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-speed
or hard brushes.
(18-inch wheel vehicle)
If your aluminum wheels lose luster,
apply wax which contains no polishing
powder.
▼ Plastic Part Maintenance
When 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.
If 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.
High 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.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
In 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.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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Overheating
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light turns on, the vehicle loses
power, or you hear a loud knocking or
pinging noise, the engine is probably too
hot.
WARNING
Pull over to a safe location, then switch
the ignition 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 turns on:

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 Trouble Arises
Overheating
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If it is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.

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
6-25).
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
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SignalWarning
Charging System Warn‐
ing Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alter
‐
nator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the ro ad and park off the right-of -way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated be‐
cause the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning Light This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is
low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and pa rk off the right-of-way on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes fo r the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level (page 6-24). If it's low, add the appropriate amount of
engine oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
4. Start the engine and check the warning light.

If the light remains illuminated even though th e oil level is normal or after adding oil,
stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
(Red)
High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high, and illumi
‐
nates 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 overheati ng. Park the vehicle in a safe place immedi ‐
ately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-21.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light illumi‐
nated. Otherwise, it could resu lt in damage to the engine.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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