Engine Compartment Inspection
Checking the Inspection Locations and Inspection Items
The position and shape of each part may differ slightly depending on the specification.
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Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Engine oil-filler cap
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Engine oil dipstick
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Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
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Lead-acid battery
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Engine coolant reservoir
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Cooling system cap
Inspecting Engine Oil
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Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
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Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
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Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
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Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
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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.
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MAX
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OK
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MIN
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Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is positioned properly before reinserting the dipstick.
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Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Recommended Oil
U.S.A., Canada
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 Genuine Mazda Parts and Genuine Mazda Premium Oil.
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.
Except U.S.A., Canada
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.
(Mexico)
Use API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 engine oil. If SAE 5W-30 engine oil is not available, use SAE 5W-20, SAE 0W-30 or SAE 10W-30 engine oil.
The quality designation SM, SN or SP must be on the label.
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.
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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.
Inspecting the Brake/Clutch Fluid
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low, have the brakes inspected.
A low brake/clutch 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.
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the same reservoir.
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 and clutch linings. If it is excessively low, have the brake/clutch system inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
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.
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The top of the fluid level is low.
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The Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indication/Warning Light (if equipped) turns on.
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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 Lead-acid Battery
Read the following precautions carefully before using the lead-acid battery or inspecting to ensure safe and correct handling.
Always wear eye protection when working near the lead-acid battery.
Working without eye protection is dangerous. Lead-acid battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas produced during normal lead-acid battery operation, could ignite and cause the lead-acid battery to explode.
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with lead-acid battery fluid.
Spilled lead-acid battery fluid is dangerous.
Lead-acid 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 lead-acid batteries out of the reach of children.
Allowing children to play near lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Lead-acid battery fluid could cause serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin.
Keep flames and sparks away from lead-acid battery cells and do not allow metal tools to contact the positive (+) or negative (-) terminal of the lead-acid battery when working near a lead-acid battery. Do not allow the positive (+) terminal to contact the vehicle body.
Flames and sparks near lead-acid battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal lead-acid battery operation, could ignite and cause the lead-acid battery to explode. An exploding lead-acid battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including cigarettes and sparks away from lead-acid battery cells.
Keep all flames and sparks away from lead-acid battery cells because hydrogen gas is produced from lead-acid battery cells while charging the lead-acid battery or adding lead-acid battery fluid.
Flames and sparks near lead-acid battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal lead-acid battery operation, could ignite and cause the lead-acid battery to explode. An exploding lead-acid battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including cigarettes and sparks away from lead-acid battery cells.
Before performing lead-acid battery maintenance, remove the lead-acid battery cover.
Removing the Lead-acid Battery Cover
Maintaining Lead-acid Battery
To get the best service from a lead-acid 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 lead-acid battery cables and charge the lead-acid battery every 6 weeks.
Inspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause the battery to discharge quickly. Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a week. If it is low, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer for electrolyte level.
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Upper level
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Lower level
Replacing lead-acid battery
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer for lead-acid battery replacement.
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.
