Mazda Millenia (2002 year). Instruction — part 12

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.

▼ 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

Low

OK

8-11

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

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.

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

L (US qt, Imp qt)

0.9 (1.0, 0.8)

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

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

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

Loosen

Tighten

Drain plug

Loosen

Tighten

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

Drain plug

8-12

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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.

▼ 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.

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).

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

8-13

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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).

For mixture percentage:

To change coolant

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

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

8-14

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

1. Remove the coolant filler 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.

5. Fill the system (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 coolant filler cap.

7. Run the engine at idle for about 10

minutes, then turn it off. If the coolant
level warning light comes on during
this time, turn the engine off.
After turning off the engine, inspect the
drain plug and the water hoses for
leaks.

8. After the engine has cooled, remove

the coolant filler cap and inspect the
coolant level. If it’s low, repeat steps 5
to 7.

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

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

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.

Tighten

Loosen

Tighten

Loosen

Tighten

Loosen

Coolant filler cap

Engine coolant
reservoir

Loosen

Tighten

Tighten

Loosen

Cooling system cap

8-15

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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 Fluid Level

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 linings. If it
is excessively low, have the brake system
inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Brake Fluid

8-16

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ Adding Brake Fluid

If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.

▼ 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.

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 Fluid Levels:
Low brake 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 inspected.

• Brake fluid will damage painted

surfaces. If brake fluid does get on
a painted surface, wipe it off
immediately.

• Using nonspecified brake fluids

(page 10-4) will damage the system.
Mixing different fluids will also
damage it.
If the brake system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

WARNING

CAUTION

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

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

8-17

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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.

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

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

8-18

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

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

Full
Low

Full

Low

A

B

Full

Low

Full

Low

A

B

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

• 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

8-19

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ 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.

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.

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

Float

Body Lubrication

8-20

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

This air filter may be cleaned with
compressed air and reused, or replaced,
depending on its condition. Unless it is
very dirty, simply shake it to remove
foreign particles. Each time you inspect it,
wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a
damp cloth.

▼ Replacing the Air Filter

1. Unfasten the clamps.

2. Lift off the air filter cover and remove

the filter.

3. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing

with a damp cloth.

4. Clean or replace the filter.

5. Install in the reverse order of removal.

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

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

Clamp

Miller Cycle Engine
V6 DOHC

Clamp

Air filter cover

Air filter

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

Air filter

Air filter cover

8-21

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Replace the filter according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).

Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.

If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.

▼ Replacing Windshield Wiper

Blades

When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.

Wiper Blades

Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washes have been known to affect the
cleanability of windows.

To prevent damage to the wiper blades,
don’t use gasoline, kerosene, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.

To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don’t move the
wipers by hand.

CAUTION

CAUTION

CAUTION

8-22

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade

assembly to expose the plastic locking
clip.
Compress the clip and slide the
assembly downward; then lift it off the
arm.

2. Hold the end of the rubber and pull

until the tabs are free of the metal
support.

3. Remove the metal stiffeners from the

blade rubber and install them in new
blades.

To prevent damage to the windshield,
don’t let the wiper arm fall on it.

Push

Plastic locking clip

CAUTION

Pull out

Tab

Metal support

• Don’t bend the stiffeners. You need

to use them again.

• If the metal stiffeners are switched,

the blade’s wiping efficiency could
be reduced.
So don’t use the driver’s side metal
stiffeners on the passenger’s side, or
vice versa.

• Be sure to reinstall the metal

stiffeners in the new blade rubber so
that the curve is the same as it was
in the old blade rubber.

Stiffeners

CAUTION

8-23

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

4. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.

Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse older of removal.

NOTE

Install the blade so that the tabs are
toward the bottom of the wiper arm.

Tab

Battery

Battery-Related Lead Materials:
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

Spilled Battery Fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULFURIC
ACID which could cause serious
injuries, if it gets in your eyes or on
your skin. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water for 15 minutes or wash your
skin thoroughly and get medical
attention. Be careful not to get battery
fluid on yourself.

Battery-Related Explosion:
Flames and sparks near open battery
cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas,
produced during normal battery
operation, could ignite and cause the
battery to explode. An exploding
battery can cause serious burns and
injuries. Keep all flames, including
cigarettes, and sparks away from
open battery cells.

Children and Batteries:
Allowing children to play near
batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid
could cause serious injuries if it gets
in the eyes or on the skin. Always
keep batteries out of the reach of
children.

WARNING

8-24

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ Battery Maintenance

To get the best service from a battery:
• Keep it securely mounted.
• Keep the top clean and dry.
• Keep terminals and connections clean,

tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.

• Rinse off spilled electrolyte

immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.

• If the vehicle will not be used for an

extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.

For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.

Tires

Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except when using the temporary
spare tire, use only the same type tires
(radial, bias-belted, bias-type) on all
four wheels.

Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-6)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.

WARNING

8-25

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ Tire Inflation Pressure

Inspect all tire pressures monthly
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, top handling, and
minimum tire wear.

Refer to the specification charts (page 10-
6).

Incorrect Tire Inflation:
Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling
or unexpected tire failure could result
in a serious accident. Always inflate
the tires to the correct pressure (page
10-6).

WARNING

NOTE

• Warm tires normally exceed

recommended pressures. Don’t
release air from warm tires to adjust
the pressure.

• Underinflation can cause reduced

fuel economy and poor sealing of
the tire bead, which will deform the
wheel and cause separation of tire
from rim.

• Overinflation can produce a harsh

ride and a greater possibility of
damage from road hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the
correct levels. If one frequently
needs inflating, have it inspected.