power steering MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2004 Owners Manual

4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
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.
• Avoid fast starts.
• 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:
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.
WARNING
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5-1
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Brake System ............................................................................. 5-4
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................... 5-9
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-10
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-14
Cruise Control* ....................................................................... 5-15
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-18
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-18
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps ........................................ 5-23
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-23
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-30
Switches and Controls ................................................................. 5-31
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-31
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-32
Fog Lights* .............................................................................. 5-32
Daytime Running Lights (Canada) .......................................... 5-33
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-33
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-35
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-35
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-36
*Some models.
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5-14
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission
will shift to a lower gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or 1, depending on the load
weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to 2
or 1, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating. Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Power Steering
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering
system.
CAUTION
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8-1
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction ................................................................................... 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance .................................................................... 8-10
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8-10
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-11
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-12
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-13
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-15
Brake Fluid .............................................................................. 8-18
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................. 8-19
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ...................................... 8-21
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-22
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-23
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-24
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-25
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-27
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-28
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-32
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-36
Appearance Care ......................................................................... 8-40
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-40
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-42
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-47
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8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
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 1624324048566472808896
× 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
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension 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. 8S15-EA-03G
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
*1 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*2 Replacement of the timing belt is required at every 100,000 km {62,500 miles}. Failure to replace the timing belt may result in damage to the engine.
*3 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.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, inspect and if necessary, clean or replace the air filter more often than the recommended intervals.
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 miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Engine valve clearance Inspect every 100,000 km (62,500 miles) or 60 months
Drive belts
*1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine timing belt
*2Replace every 100,000 km (62,500 miles)
Engine oil*3RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*3RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system IIIIIIII
Engine coolant except
Australia,
New Zealand
Replace every 24 months
Australia,
New Zealand Replace at first 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 48 months ;
after that, every 24 months
Idle speed IIIIIIII
Air filter
*4
except
Australia,
New Zealand CCRCCRCC
Australia,
New Zealand CRCRC
Fuel filter except
Australia,
New Zealand
RRRR
Australia,
New Zealand RRR
Fuel lines and hoses IIIIIIII
Spark plugs Replace every 40,000km (25,000miles)
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8-9
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
*5 This is a full function check of electrical systems such as lights, wiper and washer systems (including wiper blades), and power windows.
*6 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 miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Evaporative system IIIIIIII
All electrical system
*5IIIIIIII
Brake pedals and clutch pedals IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connections IIIIIIII
Clutch fluid IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*6IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and lines IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and gear
housing IIIIIIII
Steering linkages, tie rod ends
and arms IIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension and
ball joints IIII
Automatic transmission fluid
level IIIIIIII
Drive shaft dust boots IIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
body TTTTTTTT
Body condition (for rust,
corrosion and perforation)
(except Australian model) Inspect annually
Exhaust system heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Tire (including spare tire)(with
inflation pressure adjustment) IIIIIIII
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8-10
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
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 8-18)
• Engine coolant level (page 8-15)
• Engine oil level (page 8-13)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-22)


At Least Monthly
• Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)


At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
• Automatic transmission fluid level (page 8-21)
• Power steering fluid level (page 8-20)
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 8-24)
• Engine coolant (page 8-15)
• Engine oil (page 8-14)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
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8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Engine Compartment Overview
Fuse blockEngine oil-filler cap Cooling system cap Power steering fluid filler cap/dipstick Air filterClutch fluid reservoir
(Only for manual
transmission model)
Automatic transmission fluid-level dipstick
(Only for automatic transmission model)
Engine oil dipstickBrake fluid reservoir
Washer fluid reservoir
(TypeA)
The battery is in the trunk
Engine coolant
reservoirWasher fluid reservoir (TypeB)
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8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Inspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
Inspect the fluid level at each engine oil
change. Add fluid if necessary; it does not
require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between the H and
L marks.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
1. Park on a level surface, well off the
right-of-way, and set the parking brake
firmly.
2. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool. 3. Remove the filler cap and attached
dipstick.
4. Wipe them clean and put them back.
5. Remove again and inspect the level.
6. It must be between H and L. Add fluid if necessary.
Don ’t overfill.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Power Steering Fluid
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don ’t operate the vehicle for
long periods when the power steering
fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
CAUTION
Full
Low
OK
Loosen
Tighten
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