maintenance schedule MAZDA MODEL 6 2003 Owners Manual (in English)

4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•
Don’t race the engine.
•
Don’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
•
Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
•
Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
•
Avoid full-throttle starts.How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
•
Avo i d f a s t s t a r t s .
•
Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
•
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
•
Slow down on rough roads.
•
Keep the tires properly inflated.
•
Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
•
Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
•
Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
•
Keep windows closed at high speeds.
•
Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:Turning off the engine to coast down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control. Any loss of steering or
braking control could cause an
accident. Never turn off the engine
and coast down a hill.
WARNING
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 6 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

6-2
Interior Comfort
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
Climate Control System

Operating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.

Clearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowling grille to improve the system
efficiency.

Foggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the air
conditioner to dehumidify the air.

Outside/Recirculated Air
Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
can be used temporarily when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.

Parking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.

Not Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner at least once a
month to keep internal parts lubricated.

Check the Refrigerant before
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Replacement of the Cabin Air
Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
Operating Tips
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 2 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

8-3
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
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
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 3 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

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
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)
*1According 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
Drive belts (tension) 2.3-liter engine
I
3.0-liter engine
II
Engine oil
RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter
RRRRRRRR
Cooling system
II
Engine coolantReplace at first 168,000km (105,000miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
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
Steering operation and linkages
II
Front suspension ball joints
II
Driveshaft dust boots
II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body
II
Exhaust system heat shields
II
All locks and hinges
LLLLLLLL
Cabin air filter
Replace every 40,000km (25,000miles) or 24 months
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 4 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

Schedule 2
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
*1According 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.
*2If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the spark plugs every 96,000
km(60,000 miles) or shorter.
a)Repeated short-distance driving
b)Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c)Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
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
Drive belts (tension) 2.3-liter engine
I
3.0-liter engine
II
Engine oilPuerto Rico
Replace every 5,000km (3,000miles) or 3 months
Others
RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter
RRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system
II
Engine coolantReplace at first 168,000km (105,000miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant level
IIIIIIIIIIII
Air filterPuerto Rico
R
Others
R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
Spark plugs USA
Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Others
*2Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
Function of all lights
IIIIIIIIIIII
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 5 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

8-11
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
It’s OK between MIN and MAX.
But if it’s near or below MIN, add
enough oil to bring the level to MAX.
6. Make sure the O-ring is positioned
properly before reinserting the
dipstick.

Changing Engine Oil and Filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3).
Please act responsibly—protect the
environment and take used oil to a
recycling facility. Ask your dealer or a
service station for information.
Don’t add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.
Full
OK
Low 3.0-liter engine
CAUTION
Handling Used Engine Oil:Continuous contact with used engine
oil is dangerous. It could cause skin
cancer. Always wash with soap and
water immediately after changing oil
and filter.
Remove any oil splatter from the
exhaust manifold, the exhaust pipe and
the shield. Oil left on these areas will
smoke when the engine is running.
WARNING
CAUTION
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 11 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM

8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

Changing Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
For mixture percentage:To change coolant
1. Remove the cooling system cap. •
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.
ProtectionVo l u m e
Antifreeze
solutionWa t e r
Above
−16
°C (3
°F) 35% 65%
Above
−26
°C (
−15
°F) 45% 55%
Above
−40
°C (
−40
°F) 55% 45%
CAUTIONRemoving 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
Loosen
Tighten
Loosen Tighten 2.3-liter engine
shuseizumi_J56J_8R29_EA_02I.book Page 14 Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:51 AM