Always check that the bonnet is closed and securely locked:
A bonnet 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.
With the vehicle parked, pull the release handle to unlock the bonnet.
Insert your hand into the bonnet opening, slide the latch lever to the right, and lift up the bonnet.
The lever is located a little to the left of centre when facing the vehicle.
Grasp the support rod in the padded area and secure it in the support rod hole indicated by the arrow to hold the bonnet open.
Check under the bonnet area to make certain all filler caps are in place and all loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers, etc.) have been removed.
Lift the bonnet, 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 bonnet.
Lower the bonnet slowly to a height of about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed position and then let it drop.
When closing the bonnet, do not push it excessively such as by applying your weight. Otherwise, the bonnet could be deformed.
Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the sump.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5
SKYACTIV-D 2.2
(SKYACTIV-D 2.2)
When inspecting the engine oil level, pull out the dipstick straight without twisting. In addition, when inserting the dipstick, always insert it without twisting so that the “X” mark faces the front of the vehicle.
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.
Do not overfill the engine oil. This may cause engine damage.
Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is positioned properly before reinserting the dipstick.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
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.
Changing the coolant should be done by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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 travelling 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.
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5
SKYACTIV-D 2.2
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.
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Use only soft (demineralised) water in the coolant mixture. Water that contains minerals will cut down on the coolant's effectiveness.
Do not add only water. Always add a proper coolant mixture.
The engine has aluminium parts and must be protected by an ethylene-glycol-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
DO NOT USE coolants Containing Alcohol, methanol, Borate or Silicate.
These coolants could damage the cooling system.
DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol with the coolant. This could damage the cooling system.
Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.