Owner Maintenance
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
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Brake fluid level (Search)
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Engine coolant level (Search)
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Engine oil level (Search)
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Washer fluid level (Search)
At Least Monthly
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Tire inflation pressures (Search)
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.
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 (Search), 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 (Search) 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.
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a qualified technician:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling fan which may turn on unexpectedly:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewelry, loose clothing or have long hair or a long beard.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
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 leave items in the engine compartment:
After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a fire leading to an unexpected accident.
Hood
Always check that the hood is closed and securely locked:
A hood that is not closed and securely locked is dangerous as it could fly open while the vehicle is moving and block the driver's vision which could result in a serious accident.
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.
Engine Compartment Overview
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.
Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
Use only windshield washer fluid or plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it will dirty the windshield, affect your visibility, and could result in an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze Protection in Cold Weather:
Operating your vehicle in temperatures below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) using washer fluid without anti-freeze protection is dangerous as it could cause impaired windshield vision and result in an accident. In cold weather, always use washer fluid with anti-freeze protection.
State or local regulations may restrict the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in washer fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides adequate freeze resistance for all regions and climates in which the vehicle will be operated.
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.
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 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.
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.
Fuse Replacement
Replacing the fuses on the vehicle's left side
If the electrical system does not work, first inspect the fuses on the vehicle's left side.
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Make sure the ignition is switched off, and other switches are off.
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Open the fuse panel cover.
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Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse puller provided on the fuse block located in the engine compartment.
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Inspect the fuse and replace it if it is blown.
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Insert a new fuse of the same amperage rating, and make sure it fits tightly. If it does not fit tightly, have an expert install it. We recommend an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one of the same rating from a circuit not essential to vehicle operation, such as the AUDIO or OUTLET circuit.
Always replace a fuse with a genuine Mazda fuse or equivalent of the same rating. Otherwise you may damage the electric system.
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Reinstall the cover and make sure that it is securely installed.
Replacing the fuses under the hood
If the headlights or other electrical components do not work and the fuses in the cabin are normal, inspect the fuse block under the hood.
If a fuse is blown, it must be replaced. Follow these steps:
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Make sure the ignition is switched off, and other switches are off.
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Remove the fuse block cover.
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If any fuse but the MAIN fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating.
Do not replace the main fuse by yourself. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform the replacement:
Replacing the fuse by yourself is dangerous because the MAIN fuse is a high current fuse. Incorrect replacement could cause an electrical shock or a short circuit resulting in a fire.
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Reinstall the cover and make sure that it is securely installed.
