Owner Maintenance
Opening the Hood
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With the vehicle parked, pull the release handle to unlock the hood.
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Insert your hand into the hood opening, slide the latch lever to the right, and lift up the hood.
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Grasp the support rod in the padded area and secure it in the support rod hole indicated by the arrow to hold the hood open.
Closing the Hood
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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.
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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.
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Lower the hood slowly to a height of about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed position and then let it drop.
When closing the hood, do not push it excessively such as by applying your weight. Otherwise, the hood could be deformed.
Recommended Oil
U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil.
Mazda Genuine Oil is used in your Mazda vehicle. Mazda Genuine 5W-30 Oil is required to achieve optimum fuel economy.
For maintenance service, Mazda recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and Castrol® (U.S.A. only).
Only use SAE 5W-30 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.
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).
(Mexico)
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil. If SAE 5W-30 engine oil is not available, use SAE 0W-30 or SAE 10W-30 engine oil.
The quality designation SM or SN, or ILSAC must be on the label.
Vehicle Engine Control Unit Reset Procedure
After replacing the engine oil, it is recommended to have a repair shop such as an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform the initialization (engine oil data resetting) of the recorded value. If the value recorded by the computer is not initialized, the wrench indicator light may not turn off or it may turn on earlier than normal.
Refer to Maintenance Monitor (Search).
Engine Coolant
Inspecting Coolant Level
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.
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.
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Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
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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.
Brake Fluid
Inspecting Brake Fluid Level
If the brake fluid level is low, have the brakes inspected:
A low brake fluid level is dangerous.
A low level could indicate brake lining wear or a brake system leak which could cause the brakes to fail and lead to an accident.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir regularly. It should be kept between the MAX and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with accumulated distance, a condition associated with wear of brake linings. If it is excessively low, have the brake system inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Washer Fluid
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
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Hot waxes applied by automatic car washers have been known to affect the wiper's ability to clean windows.
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To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them.
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When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases:
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If the windshield above the rain sensor is touched.
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If the windshield above the rain sensor is wiped with a cloth.
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If the windshield is struck with a hand or other object.
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If 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 the vehicle, make sure the wiper lever is in the OFF position.
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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.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
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To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, do not try to sweep the wiper arm by hand.
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Do not bend the blade rubber unnecessarily when replacing it. Otherwise, the metal stiffener in the blade may deform and the windshield wiper operation may be adversely affected.
When raising both windshield wiper arms, raise the driver's side wiper arm first. When lowering the wiper arms, slowly lower the wiper arm from the passenger's side first while supporting it with your hand. Forcefully lowering the wiper arms could damage the wiper arm and blade, and may scratch or crack the windshield.
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Raise the wiper arm.
To prevent damage to the windshield let the wiper arm down easily, do not let it slap down on the windshield.
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Slide the blade component in the direction of the arrow while pressing the wiper arm tab to remove the blade component from the wiper arm.
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Pull the blade rubber in the direction of the arrow and slide it to a position where the blade holder groove can be checked.
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Pull the end of the blade rubber from the blade holder groove in the direction of the arrow and remove the blade rubber from the blade holder.
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Insert the end of the new blade rubber into the groove of the blade holder until it contacts the end of the blade holder.
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After pulling the blade rubber in the direction of the arrow and sliding the blade rubber to a position to check the blade holder groove, slide the blade rubber end in the opposite direction.
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Make sure that the blade rubber is correctly installed to the blade holder.
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Align the wiper arm tabs with the blade component grooves.
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Align the blade component projection with the wiper arm notch.
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Slide the blade component and install it to the wiper arm.
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Slowly lower the wiper arm onto the windshield.
Replacing Rear Window Wiper Blade
When the wiper no longer cleans well, the blade is probably worn or cracked.
Replace it.
To prevent damage to the wiper arm and other components, do not move the wiper by hand.
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Remove the cover and raise the wiper arm.
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Firmly rotate the wiper blade to the right until it unlocks, then remove the blade.
To prevent damage to the rear window, do not let the wiper arm fall on it.
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Pull down the blade rubber and slide it out of the blade holder.
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Remove the metal stiffeners from the blade rubber and install them in the new blade.
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Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.
Battery
Wash hands after handling the battery and related accessories:
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Read the following precautions carefully before using the battery or inspecting to ensure safe and correct handling:
Always wear eye protection when working near the battery:
Working without eye protection is dangerous. Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with battery fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause serious injuries if it gets in eyes, or on the skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with water for 15 minutes or wash your skin thoroughly and get medical attention.
Always keep batteries out of the reach of children:
Allowing children to play near batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid could cause serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin.
Keep flames and sparks away from open battery cells and do not allow metal tools to contact the positive (
) or negative (
) terminal of the battery when working near a battery. Do not allow the positive () terminal to contact the vehicle body:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells.
Keep all flames and sparks away from open battery cells because hydrogen gas is produced from open battery cells while charging the battery or adding battery fluid:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
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Keep it securely mounted.
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Keep the top clean and dry.
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Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
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Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
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If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery cables and charge the battery every 6 weeks.
Battery Replacement
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer for a battery replacement purchase.
Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety, and better fuel economy, always maintain recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the recommended load limits and weight distribution.
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different types of tires is dangerous. It could cause poor handling and poor braking; leading to loss of control.
Except for the limited use of the temporary spare tire, use only the same type tires (radial, bias-belted, bias-type) on all four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is specified for the vehicle (Search) is dangerous. It could seriously affect ride, handling, ground clearance, tire clearance, and speedometer calibration. This could cause you to have an accident. Use only tires that are the correct size specified for the vehicle.
Replacing a Tire
Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time:
Replacing just one tire is dangerous. It could cause poor handling and poor braking resulting in loss of vehicle control. Mazda strongly recommends that you replace all four tires at the same time.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare tire. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).
Temporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least monthly to make sure it is properly inflated and stored.
The temporary spare tire condition gradually deteriorates even if it has not been used.
The temporary spare tire is easier to handle because of its construction which is lighter and smaller than a conventional tire. This tire should be used only for an emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary spare tire only until the conventional tire is repaired, which should be as soon as possible.
Refer to Tires (Search).
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Do not use your temporary spare tire rim with a snow tire or a conventional tire. Neither will properly fit and could damage both tire and rim.
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The temporary spare tire has a tread life of less than 5,000 km (3,000 miles). The tread life may be shorter depending on driving conditions.
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The temporary spare tire is for limited use, however, if the tread wear solid-band indicator appears, replace the tire with the same type of temporary spare (Search).
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare tire. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).
