Mazda 626 (2002 year). Instruction

8-6

Maintenance and Care

Scheduled Maintenance

I : Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.

(Oil-permeated air filter cannot be cleaned using the air-blow method.)

R : Replace
L : Lubricate

Maintenance

Interval

Maintenance
Item

Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first

Months

×1000 Km

(×1000 Miles)

(5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)

Washer fluid level

Refrigerant amount (if installed)

Compressor operation (if installed)

08.fm Page 6 Monday, June 25, 2001 5:12 PM

8-7

Maintenance and Care

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 8-11)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-20)

▼

▼ At Least Monthly

• Tire inflation pressures (page 8-26)

▼

▼ 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 8-21)
• Engine coolant (page 8-13)
• Engine oil (page 8-11)

Owner Maintenance Schedule

8-8

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions
only for items easy to perform.

As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedure can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.

Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you’re unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste carefully and with due regard to the environment.

We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

Owner Maintenance Precautions

Maintenance Procedures:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You can
be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedure. If you lack
sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the
work, have it done by a qualified technician.

Running the Engine:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more
dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Therefore, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain
that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and
all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or
cooling fan.

Electrical Fan and Engine Inspection:
Inspecting the engine with the ignition switch in the ON position is dangerous. The
cooling fan could come on unexpectedly even when the engine isn’t running. You
could be seriously injured by the fan. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key
from the ignition switch when you inspect the engine.

WARNING

8-9

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Engine Compartment Overview

2.0-liter engine

Automatic transaxle fluid-level
dipstick (only for automatic
transaxle)

Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir

Battery

Fuse block

Engine coolant
reservoir

Air filter

Cooling system cap

Engine oil-filler cap

Power steering fluid
reservoir

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

Engine oil dipstick

2.5-liter engine

Air filter

Cooling system cap

Engine coolant reservoir

Power steering fluid
reservoir

Battery

Fuse block

Automatic transaxle fluid-level
dipstick (only for automatic
transaxle)

Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir

Engine oil-filler cap

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

Engine oil dipstick

8-10

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ Recommended Oil

Oil container labels provide important
information.

The quality designation SG, SH, SJ, SL,
or ILSAC must be on the label.

Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an
effect on fuel economy and cold-weather
operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide
improved fuel economy and cold-weather
performance.
But high-temperature weather conditions
require higher-viscosity engine oils for
satisfactory lubrication.

When choosing an oil, consider the
temperature range your vehicle will
operate in before the next oil change.
Then select the recommended viscosity
from this chart.

Energy conserving oils are recommended.
A chief contribution they make to fuel
economy is reducing the amount of fuel
necessary to overcome engine friction.

Engine Oil

SAE

FOR

GASOLINE

ENGINES

10W-30

(ILSAC)

–30 –20 –10

–20

100 120

5W-30

10W-30

Using oils of viscosity besides those
recommended for specific temperature
ranges could result in engine damage.

CAUTION

8-11

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ Inspecting Engine Oil Level

1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level

surface.

2. Warm up the engine to normal

operating temperature.

3. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the

oil to return to the oil pan.

4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and

reinsert it fully.

5. Pull it out again and examine the level.

It’s OK between L and F.
But if it’s near at or below L, add
enough oil to bring the level to F.

6. Make sure the O-ring is positioned

properly before reinserting the
dipstick.

The distance between L and F on the
dipstick represents the following:

▼

▼ 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.

Full

Low

2.0-liter engine

2.5-liter engine

Full

Low

Don’t add engine oil over F. This may
cause engine damage.

L (US qt, Imp qt)

1.0 (1.06, 0.88)

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

WARNING

8-12

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Changing engine oil

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 plug tightly after the oil

has thoroughly drained.

4. Fill the engine with new oil to the F

mark on the dipstick.

5. Securely replace the oil-filler cap.

6. Start the engine and inspect around the

drain plug for leaks.

7. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the

oil to return to the oil pan.

Check the oil level and fill to the F mark if
necessary.

Oil capacity (General reference only,
refer to Specifications section for
capacities.)

Changing oil filter

Because you need a special tool to
retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer should do the work.

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.

WARNING

2.0-liter engine

Loosen

Tighten

Oil-filler cap

Drain plug

Oil-filler cap

Loosen

Tighten

Drain plug

2.5-liter engine

NOTE

• The indicated engine oil capacities

are for general reference purposes
only. When adding or changing oil,
verify the engine oil level with the
oil dipstick.

• Use only specified engine oil (page

10-4).

8-13

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ Inspecting Coolant Level

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 F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool.

If it’s at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.

Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼

▼ Changing Coolant

Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).

Engine Coolant

Hot Engine:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Don’t
inspect the coolant system or add
coolant when the engine is hot.

WARNING

2.0-liter engine

2.5-liter engine

Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly.

• 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.

CAUTION

8-14

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

For mixture percentage:

To change coolant

1. Remove the cooling system cap.

2. Only when the engine is cool, loosen

the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.

3. With the drain plug loose but not fully

removed, flush out the system with
running water.

4. Drain the system completely and

retighten the plug.

Protection

Volume

Antifreeze

solution

Water

Above

−16°C

(3°F)

35%

65%

Above

−26°C

(

−15°F)

Above

−40°C

(

−40°F)

Removing 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

2.0-liter engine

Cooling system cap

Loosen

Tighten

Drain plug

Loosen

Tighten

Loosen

Tighten

Cooling system cap

Drain plug

2.5-liter engine

Loosen

Tighten

8-15

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

5. Fill the radiator (to the top of the filler

neck) and then the coolant reservoir (to
F) with as much ethylene-glycol-based
coolant and water as necessary to
provide protection from freezing and
corrosion.
In extremely cold climates, add the
amount recommended by the coolant
manufacturer.

6. Reinstall the cooling system cap.

7. Run the engine at idle for about 10

minutes.

8. Then do this:

• Run the engine at 2,500 rpm for

about 5 minutes.

• Increase the engine speed to 3,000

rpm for about 5 seconds and then
release the accelerator.

• Do this 4 or 5 times.
• Make sure the engine temperature

gauge does not reach the HOT zone.

After turning off the engine, inspect the
drain plug and the water hoses for leaks.

9. After the engine has cooled, remove

the cooling system cap and inspect the
coolant level. If it’s low, repeat steps 5
to 8.

Because this procedure requires technical
expertise, we recommend that it be done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼

▼ 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.

NOTE

Mixing green coolant with orange
coolant could decrease the service life
expectancy of the coolant. Use only
genuine Mazda orange colored or
equivalent coolant.

Brake/Clutch Fluid

8-16

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ 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 yourself or 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 10-4) 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

8-17

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ 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 HIGH
and LOW 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 HIGH and LOW.

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

High

Low

8-18

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼

▼ Inspecting Automatic transaxle

Fluid Level

The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.

The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.

1. Park on a level surface and set the

parking brake firmly.

2. Idle the engine about two minutes.

Push down on the brake pedal.

3. Move the shift lever through all ranges

and set it at P.

4. With the engine still idling, pull out the

dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.

5. Pull it out again.

The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.

2.0-liter engine

Scale A

When the engine has been running and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F) to 77°C (170°F), the
level must be within the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(ATF)

• Low fluid level causes transaxle

slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and transaxle
malfunction.

• Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A

nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.

CAUTION

Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.

WARNING

8-19

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Scale B

When the engine has not been running,
and the outside temperature is above 10°C
(50°F), the level should be between the
bottom hole on the dipstick and the
bottom of the crosshatched area on the
dipstick.

Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, make sure the fluid level doesn’t
pass the crosshatched area on the dipstick.

2.5-liter engine

Fluid hot scale A

When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.

Fluid cold scale B

When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the level must be between Full and
Low.

• Use scale B only as a reference.
• If outside temperature is lower than

about 10°C (50°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.

• If the vehicle has been driven for an

extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect
the level only after stopping the
engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.

NOTE

Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.

CAUTION

• Use the cold scale only as a

reference.

• If outside temperature is lower than

about 20°C (70°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.

• If the vehicle has been driven for an

extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect
the level only after stopping the
engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.

CAUTION

8-20

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it doesn’t pass full.

▼

▼ Inspecting Washer Fluid Level

Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.

Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather
to prevent it from freezing.

NOTE

Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.

Washer Fluid

Substitute Washer Fluid:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident. Use only
windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir.

WARNING

8-21

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.

Make sure the engine hood’s secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.

A viscous paper air filter fits inside the air
cleaner housing, as shown. It’s been
specially treated and should not be
cleaned and reused. Replace it when
necessary.

▼

▼ Replacing the Air Filter

1. Unfasten the clamps.

Body Lubrication

Air Filter

Don’t drive without an air filter. This
could result in excessive engine wear.

NOTE

If the vehicle is operated in very dusty
or sandy areas, replace the filter more
often than recommended intervals.

CAUTION

Clamp

Mazda 626 (2002 year). Instruction - part 12