Rc low MAZDA MODEL 626 2002 Owners Manual

8-13
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Inspecting Coolant Level
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 F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool. If it
’s at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.





Changing Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
Engine Coolant
Hot Engine:A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Don ’t
inspect the coolant system or add
coolant when the engine is hot.
WARNING
2.0-liter engine
2.5-liter engine
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.
• Use only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant ’s effectiveness.
• Don ’t add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
• The engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol
or methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
• Don ’t use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
CAUTION
CAUTION
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8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
For mixture percentage:
To change coolant1. Remove the cooling system cap.
2. Only when the engine is cool, loosen the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
3. With the drain plug loose but not fully removed, flush out the system with
running water.
4. Drain the system completely and retighten the plug.
Protection Volume
Antifreeze solution Wa t e r
Above −16 °C
(3 °F) 35% 65%
Above −26 °C
( − 15 °F) 45 55
Above −40 °C
( − 40 °F) 55 45
Removing the Cooling System Cap:Removing the cooling system cap or
drain plug while the engine is
running or hot is dangerous. This
might lead to cooling system and
engine damage and could result in
serious injury from escaping hot
coolant or steam. Turn off the engine
and wait until it
’s cool. Even then, be
very careful when removing the cap
or drain plug. Wrap a thick cloth
around it and slowly turn it
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you ’re sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap — still
using a cloth — turn the cap, and
remove it.
WARNING
2.0-liter engine Cooling system cap
Loosen
Tighten
Drain plug
Loosen
Tighten
LoosenTighten
Cooling system cap
Drain plug
2.5-
liter engine
Loosen Tighten
J94S.book Page 14 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

8-15
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
5. Fill the radiator (to the top of the filler neck) and then the coolant reservoir (to
F) with as much ethylene-glycol-based
coolant and water as necessary to
provide protection from freezing and
corrosion.
In extremely cold climates, add the
amount recommended by the coolant
manufacturer.
6. Reinstall the cooling system cap.
7. Run the engine at idle for about 10 minutes.
8. Then do this: •Run the engine at 2,500 rpm for
about 5 minutes.
• Increase the engine speed to 3,000
rpm for about 5 seconds and then
release the accelerator.
• Do this 4 or 5 times.
• Make sure the engine temperature
gauge does not reach the HOT zone.
After turning off the engine, inspect the
drain plug and the water hoses for leaks.
9. After the engine has cooled, remove the cooling system cap and inspect the
coolant level. If it ’s low, repeat steps 5
to 8.
Because this procedure requires technical
expertise, we recommend that it be done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.





Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid
Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
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.
NOTE
Mixing green coolant with orange
coolant could decrease the service life
expectancy of the coolant. Use only
genuine Mazda orange colored or
equivalent coolant.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
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8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Adding Brake/Clutch Fluid
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
Spilled Brake Fluid:Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on yourself or on the
engine.
Low Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels:
Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and cause
an accident. If you find a low fluid
level, have the brakes and clutch
inspected.
WARNING• Brake and clutch fluid will damage
painted surfaces. If brake or clutch
fluid does get on a painted surface,
wipe it off immediately.
• Using nonspecified brake and clutch
fluids (page 10-4) will damage the
systems. Mixing different fluids
will also damage them.
If the brake/clutch system
frequently requires new fluid,
consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 16 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

8-17
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Inspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
Inspect the fluid level at each engine oil
change. Add fluid if necessary; it does not
require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between the HIGH
and LOW marks.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
1. Park on a level surface, well off the
right-of-way, and set the parking brake
firmly.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool. 3. Remove the filler cap and attached
dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between HIGH and LOW. Add fluid if necessary.
Don ’t overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don’ t operate the vehicle for
long periods when the power steering
fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
CAUTION
High
Low OK
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8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Inspecting Automatic transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
1. Park on a level surface and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Idle the engine about two minutes. Push down on the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges and set it at P. 4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
5. Pull it out again. The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
2.0-liter engine
Scale A
When the engine has been running and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65 °C (150 °F) to 77 °C (170 °F), the
level must be within the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
• Low fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.
• Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
CAUTION
Sudden Vehicle Movement:Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
WARNING
A
B
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8-19
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Scale B
When the engine has not been running,
and the outside temperature is above 10°C
(50 °F), the level should be between the
bottom hole on the dipstick and the
bottom of the crosshatched area on the
dipstick.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, make sure the fluid level doesn ’t
pass the crosshatched area on the dipstick. 2.5-liter engine
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65
°C (150 °F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20 °C
(70 °F), the level must be between Full and
Low.
•
Use scale B only as a reference.
• If outside temperature is lower than
about 10 °C (50 °F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
• If the vehicle has been driven for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect
the level only after stopping the
engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.
NOTE
Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.
CAUTION
•Use the cold scale only as a
reference.
• If outside temperature is lower than
about 20 °C (70 °F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
• If the vehicle has been driven for an
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect
the level only after stopping the
engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.
A
B
CAUTION
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8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
4. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse older of removal.
NOTE
Install the blade so that the tabs are
toward the bottom of the wiper arm.
Tabs
Battery
Battery-Related Lead Materials:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
Spilled Battery Fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULFURIC
ACID which could cause serious
injuries, if it gets in your eyes or on
your skin. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water for 15 minutes or wash your
skin thoroughly and get medical
attention. Be careful not to get battery
fluid on yourself.
Battery-Related Explosion:
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.
Children and Batteries:
Allowing children to play near
batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid
could cause serious injuries if it gets
in the eyes or on the skin. Always
keep batteries out of the reach of
children.
WARNING
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8-27
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Tire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires
every 6,000 km (3,750 miles)/*12,000 km
(7,500 miles) , or sooner if irregular wear
develops. During rotation, inspect them
for correct balance.

*Canada
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
• Incorrect tire pressure
• Improper wheel alignment
• Out-of-balance wheel
• Severe braking
After rotation, bring all tire pressures to
specification (page 10-6) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.





Replacing a Tire
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
You may need to replace it before the
band is across the entire tread.
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial
tires that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern or studs only from front to rear,
not from side to side. Tire performance
will be weakened if rotated from side
to side.
Front
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire) in rotation.
CAUTION
Worn Tires:Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.
WARNING
New tread Worn tread
Tread wear indicator
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8-35
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Yo u r v e h i c l e’s electrical system is
protected by fuses.
If any lights, accessories, or controls don ’t
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.
If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.





Fuse Replacement
If the electrical system doesn ’t work, first
inspect fuses on the driver ’s side.
1. Turn off the ignition switch and other switches.
2. Open the fuse panel cover.
3. Pull the fuse straight out . 4. Inspect it and replace if it
’s blown.
5. Push in a new fuse of the same rating, and make sure it fits tightly. If it
doesn ’t, have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer install it.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the RADIO circuit.
Fuses
Fuse panel cover
Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Normal Blown
CAUTION
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