coolant MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2004 Owners Manual
Page 106 of 372
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors, 
and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and 
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of 
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure 
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Is the seat adjusted properly?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors 
adjusted?
• Is everyone’
s seat belt fastened?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the 
ignition switch is turned to the ON 
position.
• Release the parking brake and make 
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your 
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other 
fluid levels should be inspected. See 
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from 
snow, sand, or mud, depress the 
accelerator slightly and slowly move the 
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.•
Carry emergency gear, including tire 
chains, window scraper, flares, a small 
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag 
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to 
perform the following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in 
the radiator.
• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold 
reduces battery capacity.
• Inspect the ignition system for damage 
and loose connections.
• Use washer fluid made with 
antifreeze—but don
’t use engine 
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid 
(page 8-21).
• Don
’t use the parking brake in freezing 
weather as the parking brake may 
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an 
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with 
a manual transaxle. Block the rear 
wheels.
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning 
the wheels at high speed is dangerous. 
The spinning tire could overheat and 
explode. This could cause serious 
injuries. Don ’t spin the wheels at 
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and 
don ’t allow anyone to stand behind a 
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine 
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire 
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
Winter Driving
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5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
(Black-out meter) 
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
1 Speedometer ............................................................................................................. 5-27
2 Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector ........................................................ 5-27
3 Tachometer ............................................................................................................... 5-28
4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge  ........................................................................ 5-29
5 Fuel Gauge  ............................................................................................................... 5-29
6 Instrument Cluster Dimmer Select Button (Black-out meter)  ................................. 5-30
Meters and Gauges
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5-29
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Engine Coolant Temperature 
Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge 
shows the temperature of the engine 
coolant.
If the needle exceeds normal range toward 
H, it indicates overheating.
 Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how 
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend 
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the 
low fuel warning light illuminates or 
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon 
as possible.
Driving with an overheated engine 
can cause serious engine damage 
(page 7-13).
CAUTION
Low fuel
warning light
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7-13
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates 
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or 
you hear a loud knocking or pinging 
noise, the engine is probably too hot.If the temperature gauge indicates 
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and 
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic  transaxle in park (P), a manual 
transaxle in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is  escaping from under the hood or from 
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine 
compartment:
Don ’t go near the front of the vehicle. 
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then 
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is 
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until 
it cools.
5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,  then turn off the engine after the 
temperature has decreased.
Overheating
Cooling Fan and Engine 
Inspection:
Inspecting the engine with the 
ignition switch in the ON position is 
dangerous. The cooling fan could 
turn on unexpectedly even when the 
engine isn ’t running. You could be 
seriously injured by the fan. Turn the 
ignition switch off and remove the key 
from the ignition switch when you 
inspect the engine.
Cooling System Cap:
When the engine and radiator are 
hot, scalding coolant and steam may 
shoot out under pressure and cause 
serious injury. Don ’t remove the 
cooling system cap when the engine 
and radiator are hot.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is 
dangerous. The escaping steam could 
seriously burn you. Open the hood 
ONLY after steam is no longer 
escaping from the engine.
WARNING
If the cooling fan does not operate 
while the engine is running, the engine 
temperature will increase. Stop the 
engine and call an Authorized Mazda 
Dealer.
CAUTION
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7-14
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
6. When cool, check the coolant level.If it ’s low, look for coolant leaks from 
the radiator and hoses.
If you find a leak or other damage, 
or if coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized 
Mazda Dealer.
If you find no problems, the engine is 
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page 
8-15).
If the engine continues to overheat or 
frequently overheats, have the cooling 
system inspected. The engine could be 
seriously damaged unless repairs are 
made. Consult an Authorized Mazda 
Dealer.
CAUTION
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8-1
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction ................................................................................... 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance  ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (North America)  ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America)  ..................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance  .................................................................... 8-10
Owner Maintenance Schedule  ................................................. 8-10
Owner Maintenance Precautions  ............................................. 8-11
Engine Compartment Overview  .............................................. 8-12
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-13
Engine Coolant  ........................................................................ 8-15
Brake/Clutch Fluid  .................................................................. 8-18
Power Steering Fluid  ............................................................... 8-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF)  ........................................... 8-20
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-21
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-22
Air Filter  .................................................................................. 8-23
Wiper Blades  ........................................................................... 8-24
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-28
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-31
Light Bulbs  .............................................................................. 8-36
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-46
Appearance Care  ......................................................................... 8-51
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-51
Exterior Care  ........................................................................... 8-53
Interior Care  ............................................................................ 8-57
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8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Schedule 1
I
: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
L : Lubricate
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
*1:According to state / provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not  void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at 
the recommended time or mileage / kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance Interval 
(Number of months or 
kilometers (miles), whichever  comes first)Months 6 12182430364248
× 1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
× 1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
Engine valve clearance A u d i b l e  i n s p e c t  e v e r y  1 2 0 , 0 0 0 k m  ( 7 5 , 0 0 0 m i l e s ) ,                          
if noisy, adjust
Drive belts (tension) I
Engine oil RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years ;            
after that, every 2 years
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000km (7,500miles)
Steering operation and linkages II
Front and rear suspension and ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLL
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8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Schedule 2
I
: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
L :Lubricate
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
*1:According to state / provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not  void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at 
the recommended time or mileage / kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance Interval 
(Number of months or  kilometers (miles), 
whichever comes first)Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
× 1000 km 8 1624324048566472808896
× 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000km (75,000miles), if noisy, adjust
Drive belts (tension)   I
Engine oil Puerto Rico
Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Others RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant R e p l a c e  a t  f i r s t  9 6 , 0 0 0  k m  ( 6 0 , 0 0 0  m i l e s )  o r  4  y e a r s  ;                                        
after that, every 2 years
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
Air filter Puerto Rico
RR
Others R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission
*1I
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
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8-8
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
C : Clean
*1:Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*2: If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the engine oil and oil filter more often  than recommended intervals.
a) Driving in dusty conditions
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only.
*3:If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often  than the recommended intervals.
*4:If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle 
is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
Maintenance 
Interval 
(Number of  months or 
kilometers 
(miles), whichever  comes first)Months 6 121824303642485460667278849096
× 1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
×1000 miles6.25 12.518.752531.2537.543.755056.2562.568.757581.2587.593.75100
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000km (75,000miles), if noisy, adjust
Drive belts
*1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine oil*2RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*2RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system IIIIIIII
Engine coolant Replace every 2 years
Air filter
*3CCRCCRCC
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
Fuel filter RRRR
Fuel lines and hoses IIIIIIII
Evaporative system 
(if installed) IIIIIIII
Battery electrolyte level and 
specific gravity IIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and 
connections IIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*4IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit 
(Brake booster) and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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