Engine Compartment Inspection
Checking the Inspection Locations and Inspection Items
The position and shape of each part may differ slightly depending on the specification.
-
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
-
Engine oil-filler cap
-
Engine oil dipstick
-
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
-
Lead-acid battery
-
Engine coolant reservoir
-
Cooling system cap
Inspecting the Coolant
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.
Do not touch rotating parts such as the fan or belt when inspecting inside the engine compartment.
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 FULL and LOW marks on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
If it is at or near the LOW position, add enough coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide freezing and corrosion protection and to bring the level to FULL.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank cap after adding coolant.
-
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.
Replenishing Windshield Washer Fluid
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 ℃ (40 ℉) 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.
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze in the reservoir as it could cause paint discoloration or pump damage.
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.
Add washer fluid under any of the following conditions.
-
The top of the fluid level is low.
-
The Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indication/Warning Light (if equipped) turns on.
-
The top of the fluid level is lower than L (if equipped).
Use plain water if washer fluid is unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather to prevent it from freezing.
Inspecting 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 non-freezing lubricant on locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
