Vehicle Exterior Inspection

Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade rubbers

Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade rubbers

 

  • Hot waxes applied by automatic car washers have been known to affect the wiper's ability to clean windows.

  • An operation malfunction may occur or the wiper effectiveness may be reduced if a water-repellent coating is used.

  • To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them.

  • When the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the vehicle power is switched ON, the wipers may move automatically in the following cases:

    • If the windshield above the rain sensor is touched.

    • If the windshield above the rain sensor is wiped with a cloth.

    • If the windshield is struck with a hand or other object.

    • 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.

 

You can replace the wiper blades yourself, however you cannot replace the wiper arms.

If you want to replace the wiper arms, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade rubbers

(Type A)

  1. Raise the wiper arm.

  2. Open the clip and slide the blade assembly in the direction of the arrow.

     

  3. Tilt the blade assembly and remove it from the 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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  4.  

  5. Remove the metal stiffeners from each blade rubber and install them in the new blade.

     

    • Do not bend or discard the stiffeners. You need to use them again.

    • If the metal stiffeners are switched, the blade's wiping efficiency could be reduced.

      So do not use the driver's side metal stiffeners on the passenger's side, or vice versa.

    • Be sure to reinstall the metal stiffeners in the new blade rubber so that the curve is the same as it was in the old blade rubber.

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  7. Install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.

 

(Type B)

  1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade assembly to expose the plastic locking clip.

    Compress the clip and slide the assembly downward; then lift it off the 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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  2. Hold the end of the rubber and pull until the tabs are free of the metal support.

  3. Remove the metal stiffeners from each blade rubber and install them in the new blade.

     

    • Do not bend or discard the stiffeners. You need to use them again.

    • If the metal stiffeners are switched, the blade's wiping efficiency could be reduced.

      So do not use the driver's side metal stiffeners on the passenger's side, or vice versa.

    • Be sure to reinstall the metal stiffeners in the new blade rubber so that the curve is the same as it was in the old blade rubber.

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  5. Install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.

     

    Install the blade so that the tabs are toward the bottom of the wiper arm.

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Replacing a Tire or a Wheel

Replacing a Tire or a Wheel

 

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.

Always use wheels of the correct size on your vehicle.

Using a wrong-sized wheel is dangerous. Braking and handling could be affected, leading to loss of control and an accident.

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A wrong-sized wheel may adversely affect:

  • Tire fit

  • Wheel and bearing life

  • Ground clearance

  • Snow-chain clearance

  • Speedometer calibration

  • Headlight aim

  • Bumper height

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread.

Replace the tire when this happens.

  1. New tread

  2. Worn tread

  3. Tread wear indicator

 

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. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.

Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).

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Inspecting the Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit (Some Models)

Inspecting the Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit (Some Models)

Inspect the emergency flat tire repair kit at regular intervals.

  • Check the tire sealant period of effective use.

  • Check the operation of the tire compressor.

 

The tire sealant has a period of effective use. Check the period of effective use indicated on the bottle label and do not use it if it has expired. Have the tire sealant replaced at an Authorized Mazda Dealer before the period of effective use has expired.

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Replacing Light Bulbs

Front

  1. Headlights (High/Low beam)

  2. Front turn signal lights/Daytime running lights/Parking lights

  3. Overhead light

  4. Side turn signal lights

  5. Front side-marker lights

  6. Daytime running lights/Parking lights

Rear

  1. Taillights/Brake lights

  2. Trunk light

  3. High-mount brake light

  4. Taillights/Brake lights

  5. Reverse lights

  6. License plate lights

  7. Rear turn signal lights

  8. Rear side-marker lights

 

When removing the lens or lamp unit using a flathead screwdriver, make sure that the flathead screwdriver does not contact the interior terminal. If the flathead screwdriver contacts the terminal, a short circuit may occur.

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  • When replacing a bulb, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

  • Use the protective cover and carton for the replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb promptly and out of the reach of children.

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Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs

LED type

  • Headlights

  • Daytime running lights

  • Parking lights

  • Front turn signal lights

  • High-mount brake light

  • Rear turn signal lights

  • Brake lights

  • Taillights

  • Reverse lights

The LED bulb cannot be replaced as a single unit because it is an integrated unit.

The LED bulb has to be replaced with the unit. If a replacement is necessary, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Bulb type

Side turn signal lights

  1. Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.

  2. If you are changing the left bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, and turn off engine. If you are changing the right bulb, turn the steering wheel to the right.

  3. Pull the center of each plastic retainer and remove the retainers, and then partially peel back the mudguard.

    1. Removal

    2. Installation

     

  4. Remove the unit by pressing the tab on the unit with your finger and pulling the unit forward.

     

  5. Detach the electrical connector from the unit by pulling it to the rear.

     

  6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

 

Front side-marker lights

  1. Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.

  2. If you are changing the right bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, and turn off engine. If you are changing the left bulb, turn the steering wheel to the left.

  3. Pull the center of each plastic retainer and remove the retainers, and then partially peel back the mudguard.

    1. Removal

    2. Installation

     

  4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.

  5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

     

  6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

 

Rear side-marker lights

  1. Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.

  2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.

  3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

     

  4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

 

License plate lights

  1. Make sure the vehicle power is switched off, and the headlight switch is off.

  2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the light unit.

  3. Insert the screwdriver from the left side (press in strongly) and move the tip of the screwdriver downward to remove the light unit.

     

  4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it, then disconnect the bulb from the socket.

     

  5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

Replacing Interior Light Bulbs

Overhead light

  1. Wrap a small flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the lens, and then remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with the flathead screwdriver.

  2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

     

  3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

 

Trunk light

  1. Wrap a small flathead screwdriver with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the lens, and then remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with the flathead screwdriver.

  2. Disconnect the connector from the unit.

  3. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

     

  4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of the removal procedure.

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