check transmission fluid MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES 2002 Owners Manual (in English)

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to the driveshafts and
tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving
167

While operating your vehicle
²Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
²Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
²Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or ªpullsº to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
²When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
²If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
²Check automatic transmission Park function.
²Check parking brake.
At least monthly
²Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
²Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
²Check engine oil level.
²Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
²Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
²Check and clean body and door drain holes.
²Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
²Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
²Check parking brake for proper operation.
²Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
²Check air pressure in spare tire.
²Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
²Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
²Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
²Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
²Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Maintenance and Specifications
231

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Informationº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and Specifications
232

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant, or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Mazda specification.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
246

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Mazda specification.
Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
264

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom
of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
266

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Mazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4)SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axleSAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
Door weather strips Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6
enginesSAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches,
striker plates, fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracksMulti-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking
brake linkages and pivots, brake
and clutch pedal shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft spline
(manual transmission).Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual)MERCONtAT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E)MERCONtVATF
2
Windshield washer fluidUltra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. If submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your service maintenance
section to determine the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
276

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................152
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................125
and child safety seats ............127
description ..............................125
disposal ....................................130
driver air bag ..........................128
indicator light ...................16, 129
operation .................................128
passenger air bag ...................128
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................130
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................74
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................246
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................152±153
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................18
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................23, 48, 57
Automatic transmission ............157
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................158
fluid, adding ............................263
fluid, checking ........................263
fluid, refill capacities ..............273
fluid, specification ..................277
Auxiliary power point ...........88, 98
Axle
lubricant specifications ..276±277
refill capacities ........................273
traction lok ..............................155B
Battery .......................................244
acid, treating emergencies .....244
charging system
warning light .............................17
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................244
servicing ..................................244
voltage gauge ............................21
Bed extender ..............................99
BeltMinder .................................121
Brakes ........................................152
anti-lock ...........................152±153
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........16, 153
brake warning light ..................15
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............273
fluid, specifications .........276±277
lubricant specifications ..276±277
parking ....................................154
shift interlock ..........................157
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................79
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....273
Cargo area shade ........................98
Cargo net .....................................98
CD-6 disc .....................................57
CD-single .....................................27
CD-single premium .....................48
Cell phone warning ...................280
Certification Label ....................278
Changing a tire .........................194
Index
281

Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
Child safety seats ......................137
attaching with tether straps ..141
in front seat ............................139
in rear seat ..............................139
Cleaning your vehicle ...............223
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ............................219, 223
exterior lamps .........................221
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
mirrors .....................................221
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......72, 74
Clock ....................26, 33, 47, 55, 68
Clutch
fluid ..........................................263
operation while driving ..........161
recommended shift speeds ....162
Compass, electronic ..............90±91
calibration .................................92
set zone adjustment .................91
Console ........................................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............246
refill capacities ................249, 273
specifications ..................276±277
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................93Customer
Assistance ..........180, 207±208, 211
Getting roadside assistance ...180
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................77
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................263
engine oil .................................238
Doors
door ajar warning .....................18
lubricant specifications ..........276
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..........................167±168
mud ..........................................167
sand .........................................167
snow and ice ...........................168
through water .................167, 169
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................201
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................277
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................14
cleaning ...................................219
coolant .....................................246
idle speed control ...................244
lubrication
specifications ..................276±277
refill capacities ........................273
service points ..................234±236
Index
282