In order to keep the maintenance interval (Search) and to protect the engine from damage caused by poor lubrication, it is vitally important to make use of engine oil with the correct specification. Do not use oils which do not meet the following specifications or requirements. Use of unsuitable oil may lead to engine damage which is not covered by the Mazda Warranty.
Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an effect on fuel economy and cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide improved fuel economy and cold-weather performance.
When choosing an oil, consider the temperature range your vehicle will operate in before the next oil change.
Then select the recommended viscosity from the chart.
Using oils of viscosity besides those recommended for specific temperature ranges could result in engine damage.
It is normal for all engines to consume engine oil under normal driving conditions.
Engine oil consumption may be as high as 0.8 L/1,000 km (1 L/800 miles). This may be as a result of evaporation, internal ventilation or burning of the lubricating oil in the working engine. Oil consumption may be higher when the engine is new due to the running-in process. Oil consumption is also dependant on engine speed and engine load. Under extreme driving conditions, oil consumption may be higher.
This procedure is intended for vehicles with the engine oil flexible maintenance setting selected.
After replacing the engine oil, have a repair shop such as an Authorised Mazda Repairer 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.
The initialization (engine oil data resetting) of the recorded value can be performed using the following procedure:
Switch the ignition OFF.
Switch the ignition ON with the selector pressed, and press and hold the selector for about 5 seconds until the master warning light flashes.
After the master warning light flashes for several seconds, the initialization is completed.
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.
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 FULL and LOW marks on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
If it is at or near LOW, 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.
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.
Left-hand drive model
Right-hand drive model
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 SULPHURIC 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 SULPHURIC 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, including cigarettes, and sparks away from open battery cells:
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.
Before performing battery maintenance, remove the battery cover.
To get the best service from a battery:
Keep it securely mounted.
Keep the top clean and dry.
Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery leads and charge the battery every six weeks.
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, remove the caps and add enough distilled water to bring the level between the upper and lower level (illustration).
Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially during cold weather. If it is low, recharge the battery.
Before performing maintenance or recharging the battery, turn off all accessories and stop the engine.
To disconnect the battery, remove the negative lead first. Install it last when connecting the battery.
Be sure to remove the caps before recharging the battery.
(With i-stop system)
Do not quick-charge the battery.
If the battery quickly discharges because, for example, the lights were left on too long with the engine off, slow-charge it as required by battery size and charger capacity.
If the battery gradually discharges because of high electric load while the vehicle is being used, recharge it as required by battery size and charger capacity.
Contact an Authorised Mazda Repairer for a battery replacement purchase.