Mazda Protege (2003 year). Instruction — part 13

8-2

Maintenance and Care

Introduction

Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.

If you’re unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you to have a reliable
and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for your vehicle.
Without this expertise and the parts that have been designed and made especially for your
Mazda, inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.

For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed as
prescribed.

Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as opposed to defective
materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will not be honored.

Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda’s original equipment may
perform maintenance. But we recommend that it always be done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer using genuine Mazda parts.

Introduction

8-3

Maintenance and Care

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.

8-4

Maintenance and Care

Scheduled Maintenance

▼ Schedule 1

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

ENGINE

COOLING SYSTEM

FUEL SYSTEM

IGNITION SYSTEM

CHASSIS and BODY

AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)

*1 According to state 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 period to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance Interval

(Number 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 valve clearance

I

Engine timing belt

Inspect at 96,000km (60,000 miles)

Replace every 168,000 km (105,000 miles)

Drive belts (tension)

I

I

Engine oil

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

Engine oil filter

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

Cooling system

I

I

Engine coolant

Replace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;

after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months

Idle speed

I

I

Air filter

R

R

Fuel lines and hoses

*1

I

I

Hoses and tubes for emission

*1

I

Spark plugs

R

R

Brake lines, hoses and connections

I

I

Disc brakes

I

I

Drum brakes

I

I

Steering operation and linkages

I

I

Front suspension ball joints

I

I

Driveshaft dust boots

I

I

Bolts and nuts on chassis and body

I

I

Exhaust system heat shields

I

I

All locks and hinges

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

Refrigerant amount

I

I

I

I

Compressor operation

I

I

I

I

8-5

Maintenance and Care

Scheduled Maintenance

▼ Schedule 2

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

ENGINE

COOLING SYSTEM

FUEL SYSTEM

IGNITION SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CHASSIS and BODY

AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)

*1 According to state 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 period to ensure long-term reliability

*2 If the vehicle is operated in cold districts { below -18 degrees C (0 degrees F) }, replace the timing belt at

96,000 km (60,000 miles).

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

Engine valve clearance

I

Engine timing belt

*2

Inspect at 96,000 km (60,000 miles)

Replace every 168,000 km (105,000 miles)

Drive belts (tension)

I

I

Engine oil

Puerto Rico

Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months

Others

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

Engine oil filter

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

Cooling system

I

I

Engine coolant

Replace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;

after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months

Engine coolant level

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Idle speed

I

I

Air filter

I

*1

R

I

*1

R

Fuel lines and hoses

*1

I

I

Hoses and tubes for emission

*1

I

Spark plugs

R

R

Function of all lights

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Brake lines, hoses and connections

I

I

Brake and clutch fluid level

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Disc brakes

I

I

I

I

Drum brakes

I

I

Tire inflation pressure and tire wear

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Steering operation and linkages

I

I

Power steering fluid level

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Front suspension ball joints

I

I

Driveshaft dust boots

I

I

Bolts and nuts on chassis and body

I

I

I

I

Exhaust system heat shields

I

I

All locks and hinges

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

Washer fluid level

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Refrigerant amount

I

I

I

I

Compressor operation

I

I

I

I

8-6

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 8-14)
• Engine coolant level (page 8-12)
• Engine oil level (page 8-9)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-18)

▼ 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 8-16)
• Power 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.
• Air filter (page 8-19)
• Engine coolant (page 8-12)
• Engine oil (page 8-10)

Owner Maintenance Schedule

8-7

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

8-8

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Engine Compartment Overview

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 dipstick

Engine oil filter

1.6-liter engine

2.0-liter engine

Engine oil-filler cap

Power steering
fluid reservoir

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

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 filter

Engine oil-filler cap

Engine oil dipstick

Power steering
fluid reservoir

Windshield washer
fluid reservoir

8-9

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.

▼ 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.

Engine Oil

SAE

FOR

GASOLINE

ENGINES

10W-30

(ILSAC)

–30 –20 –10

0

10

20

30

40

50

–20

0

20

40

60

80

100 120

5W-30

10W-30

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

CAUTION

Full

1.6-liter engine

Low

OK

8-10

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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.

Changing engine oil

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

L (US qt, Imp qt)

1.0 (1.05, 0.87)

Full

2.0-liter engine

Low

OK

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.

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

WARNING

1.6-liter engine

Loosen

Tighten

Front

Drain
plug

8-11

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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.

2.0-liter engine

Loosen

Tighten

Front

Drain
plug

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).

8-12

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 FULL and LOW
marks on the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.

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

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

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

CAUTION

8-13

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

For mixture percentage:

To change coolant

Manual transaxle

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. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant and
water as necessary to provide freezing
and corrosion protection.

5. In extremely cold climates, add the

amount recommended in the coolant
manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling

system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.

7. At this point, wait until the engine

reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.

8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect

all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.

Protection

Volume

Antifreeze

solution

Water

Above

−16°C (3°F)

35%

65%

Above

−26°C (−15°F)

45

55

Above

−40°C (−40°F)

55

45

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

Loosen

Loosen

Tighten

Tighten

8-14

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Automatic transaxle

1. Remove the cooling system cap.

2. Only when the engine is cool, remove

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

3. Flush out the system with running

water.

4. Drain the system completely. Insert

and tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant and
water as necessary to provide freezing
and corrosion protection.

5. In extremely cold climates, add the

amount recommended in the coolant
manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling

system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.

7. At this point, wait until the engine

reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.

8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect

all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.

▼ 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.

Loosen

Loosen

Tighten

Tighten

Brake/Clutch Fluid

8-15

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

8-16

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ Inspecting Power Steering Fluid

Level

Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.

The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.

Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.

If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼ 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.

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

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

8-17

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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.

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.

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

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

Full

Low

A

Full

Low

B

• 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.

NOTE

Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.

CAUTION