clutch MAZDA MODEL 6 2003 Owners Manual (in English)

4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
Before Starting the Engine
•
Be sure the windows, outside mirror(s),
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?
•
Do all the lights work?
•
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 daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 5 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-27).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-27).

Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when the
driver’s door is opened.1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4.(Manual transaxle)

Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transaxle)

Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not
pushed down all the
way.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not
in P or N.
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 3 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

5-9
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern
The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to reverse. The shift lever
must be put in neutral before being shifted
to reverse.

Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
2.3-liter engine
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
For cruising
Manual Transaxle
Operation
Sudden Engine-Braking:Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Do not use sudden
engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds.
Neutral position
WARNING
•
Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don’t use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. This will
avoid needless clutch wear and
damage.
•
Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to
reverse.
Shifting to reverse while the vehicle
is still moving may damage the
transaxle.
NOTE
If shifting to reverse is difficult, shift
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
1 to 2 26 km/h (16 mph)
2 to 3 45 km/h (28 mph)
3 to 4 53 km/h (33 mph)
4 to 5 63 km/h (39 mph)
1 to 2 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 to 3 32 km/h (20 mph)
3 to 4 50 km/h (31 mph)
4 to 5 68 km/h (42 mph)
CAUTION
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 9 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

To C a n c e l
To turn off the system, use one
of these
methods:
•
Press the ON/OFF switch.
•
Slightly depress the brake pedal.
•
Press the CANCEL button.
•(Manual transaxle)

Depress the clutch pedal.
The system is off when the ignition is off.The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
TCS and Unsafe Driving:The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and snow.
WARNING
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 20 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-1
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction
................................................................................... 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance
................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................. 8-3
Owner Maintenance
...................................................................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-8
Engine Compartment Overview ................................................ 8-9
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-10
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-13
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-15
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-17
Automatic transaxle Fluid (ATF) ............................................ 8-18
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-19
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-20
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-20
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-22
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-24
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-25
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-29
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-35
Appearance Care
......................................................................... 8-40
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-40
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-42
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-45
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
L: Lubricate
CHASSIS and BODY
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)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 inflation pressure and tire wear
IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages
II
Power steering fluid level
IIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball joints
II
Driveshaft dust boots
II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
IIII
Exhaust system heat shields
II
All locks and hinges
LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level
IIIIIIIIIIII
Cabin air filter
Replace every 40,000km (25,000miles) or 24 months
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 6 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-7
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
Owner Maintenance
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

When Refueling
•
Brake and clutch fluid level (page 8-15)
•
Engine coolant level (page 8-13)
•
Engine oil level (page 8-10)
•
Washer fluid level (page 8-19)

At Least Monthly
•
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-25)

At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•
Automatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-18)
•
Power steering fluid level (page 8-17)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
•
Air filter (page 8-20)
•
Engine coolant (page 8-13)
•
Engine oil (page 8-10)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 7 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-9
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
Engine Compartment Overview
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle)
Cooling system cap Power steering
fluid reservoirWindshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstickEngine oil-filler cap
Engine coolant
reservoirBattery
Fuse block
Air filter Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transaxle)
Engine oil-filler cap Cooling system cap
Power steering
fluid reservoir Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick Engine coolant
reservoir
Battery
Fuse block
Air filter Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir 2.3-liter engine
3.0-liter engine
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 9 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-15
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
Properly dispose of the used coolant.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
4. Drain the system completely. Insert
and tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant and
water as necessary to provide freezing
and corrosion protection.
5. In extremely cold climates, add the
amount recommended in the coolant
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
7. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.

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.
Loosen
Tighten
Loosen Tighten
3.0-liter engine
Brake/Clutch Fluid
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 15 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

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 yourselfor 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 10-3) 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
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 16 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM