maintenance schedule MAZDA MODEL 6 HATCHBACK 2004 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (111,1)
Break-In Period
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.
lDon't race the engine.
lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.
lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
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.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.
lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.
lKeep the tires properly inflated.
lDon't carry unnecessary weight.
lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
lKeep windows closed at high speeds.
lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page111
Friday, December 5 2003 8:55 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (166,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time when
the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy 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.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking 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.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
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.
qReplacement 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.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page166
Friday, December 5 2003 8:56 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (243,1)
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 ....................................................................... 8-12
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-15
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-16
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-17
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-18
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-19
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-20
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-21
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-26
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-27
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-31
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-38
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-43
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-43
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-45
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
8-1
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page243
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (245,1)
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).
lRepeated short-distance driving
lDriving in dusty conditions
lDriving with extended use of brakes
lDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
lDriving on rough or muddy roads
lExtended periods of idling or low-speed operation
lDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-3
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page245
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (246,1)
qSchedule 1
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×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
Drive belts (tension)2.3-liter engine I
3.0-liter engine I I
Engine valve clearance (2.3-liter engine)Audible inspect every 120,000km (75,000miles), if noisy,
adjust
Engine oil R R R R R R R R
Engine oil filter R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolantReplace at first 168,000km (105,000miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes I I I I
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000km (7,500miles)
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000kms (25,000miles) or 24 months
Chart symbols
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
Remarks
*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.
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page246
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (247,1)
qSchedule 2
Maintenance IntervalNumber 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
ENGINE
Drive belts (tension)2.3-liter engine I
3.0-liter engine I I
Engine valve clearance (2.3-liter engine) Audible inspect every 120,000km (75,000miles), if noisy, adjust
Engine oilPuerto Rico Replace every 5,000km (3,000miles) or 3 months
Others R R R R R R RRRRRR
Engine oil filter R R R R R R RRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolantReplace at first 168,000km (105,000miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant level I I I I I I IIIIII
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filterPuerto Rico R R
Others R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugsUSA Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Others
*2Replace every 120,000km (75,000miles)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I IIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I IIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000km (5,000miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear I I I I I I IIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level I I I I I I IIIIII
Front suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L LLLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I I I I I IIIIII
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-5
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page247
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (248,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber 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
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000kms (25,000miles) or 24 months
Chart symbols
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:Replace
L:Lubricate
Remarks
*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.
*2: If 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
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page248
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (249,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
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.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-15)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-12)
lEngine oil level (page 8-10)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-18)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-17)
lPower steering fluid level (page 8-16)
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.
lAir filter (page 8-20)
lEngine coolant (page 8-12)
lEngine oil (page 8-11)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-7
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page249
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (253,1)
CAUTION
Don't add engine oil over MAX. This
may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
qChanging 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.
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
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.
Changing engine oil
WARNING
Checking or Changing Engine Oil:
Hot engine oil is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, the engine
oil becomes very hot. You could be
seriously burned. Don't check or
change the engine oil when the engine
is hot.
1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes
and turn it off. Remove the oil-filler
cap.
2. Remove the drain plug and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
3. Replace the drain plug washer after the
oil has thoroughly drained.
4. Reinstall the plug tightly.
5. Fill the engine with new oil to the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
6. Securely reinstall the oil-filler cap.
2.3-liter engine
Loosen
Tighten
Drain plug Front
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-11
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page253
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (255,1)
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 FULL or F and
LOW or L marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool.
2.3-liter engine
3.0-liter engine
If it's at or near LOW or L, add enough
coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to FULL or F.
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
lUse only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
lDon't add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
lThe engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
lDO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol or
methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
lDon't use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
For mixture percentage:
ProtectionVolume
Antifreeze
solutionDemineralizedwater
Above–16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above–26°C (–15°F) 45% 55%
Above–40°C (–40°F) 55% 45%
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-13
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page255
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K