brakes MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2004 User Guide

5-33
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-18).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again. If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-35).Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, after checking that
the parking brake is fully released,
have the brakes inspected
immediately. Don
’t drive with this
light on, and contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
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5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Charging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the engine oil level (page 8-13). If it’ s low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don ’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
Don ’t continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
WARNING
CAUTION
Don ’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
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5-35
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
• The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
• The engine
’s electrical system has a
problem.
• The emission control system has a
problem.
• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.

ABS Warning Light*
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’
re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don ’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
*Some models.
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8-3
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Scheduled Maintenance
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
•Repeated short-distance driving
• Driving in dusty conditions
• Driving with extended use of brakes
• Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
• Driving on rough or muddy roads
• Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
• Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Scheduled Maintenance (North America)
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
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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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8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
L : Lubricate
CHASSIS and BODY
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 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
× 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (rotation) Rotate every 8,000km (5,000miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages II
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
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 LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level 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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8-18
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

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.

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.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
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
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8-54
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
To minimize scratches on the vehicle’s
paint finish:
• Rinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
• Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
• Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
• Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
• Don
’t use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives. Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don
’t allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
• Don
’t use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or
anodized aluminum parts. This may
damage the protective coating; also,
cleaners and detergents may
discolor or deteriorate the paint.
• To prevent damaging the antenna,
remove it before entering a car wash
facility or passing beneath a low
overhead clearance.
CAUTION
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.
WARNING
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8-56
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also to
do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.

Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.
WARNING
NOTE
• Don
’t use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
• Only use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge
or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean
the wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
• Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
• If your aluminum wheels lose
luster, wax the wheels.
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