Owner Maintenance; Inspecting Power Steering Fluid ; Inspecting Automatic Transaxle - Page 272

8-16

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

▼

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

J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book  Page 16  Wednesday, July 9, 2003  4:19 PM