1.8-liter 4-cylinder; Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features ; Tip: Check all fluids with vehicle- Page 10

U N D E R   H O O D  

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 

Under

Hood

Quick Tips

2003 Mazda

Miata

page 18
page 19

Revised September 23, 2002

Tip: Check all fluids with vehicle
parked on a level surface

1. Automatic transmission

fluid dipstick*

If checked at operating 
temperature, fluid should 
be between FULL and LOW
marks on dipstick; if checked
with engine cold, fluid should
be just below the bottom
notch on dipstick

2. Fuse block

3. Windshield washer fluid

reservoir

(In one of two locations)
Refill with windshield 
washer fluid

4. Engine oil filler cap,

see Owner’s Manual for 
recommended engine oil viscosity

5. Engine coolant reservoir

Check when engine is cold;
fluid level should be between
the FULL and LOW marks 
on reservoir

WARNING: Never remove
coolant reserve tank cap 
while engine is running or 
hot; you could get burned

6. Cooling system cap

Do not remove if engine is 
running or hot

7. Hood support rod

8. Engine oil dipstick

Check with engine off and 
at operating temperature
Engine oil should be between 
F and L marks on dipstick

9. Brake fluid reservoir

Level should be kept at the
MAX mark on reservoir; fill
with DOT 3 fluid from a 
sealed container 

10. Clutch fluid reservoir 

(Manual transmission)

Level should be kept at the
MAX mark on reservoir; 
fill with DOT 3 fluid from 
a sealed container 

11. Air filter
12. Power steering fluid 

filler cap/dipstick

Check with engine off and 
at operating temperature
Level should be between 
H and L marks on the 
crosshatched area of dipstick

13. Hood latch

Pull up to release hood

Tip: Battery is located in 
the trunk

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3

Break-in period

First 600 miles: Avoid heavy 
braking and acceleration; drive at
varying road and engine speeds

Tip: Follow same procedures
with overhauled engine or
when brakes are replaced

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)*

When brake pedal is pressed, ABS
automatically reduces hydraulic
pressure to any wheel on the
verge of locking up
You may feel a slight pulsing 
of the brake pedal and hear a
clicking noise; this tells you the
ABS is functioning properly;
increase pressure on pedal for
maximum braking

Tips: Maintain constant 
pressure on the brake pedal
Do not pump the brakes

Tire economy and tips

Check pressure at least monthly
when tires are cold 
Maintain correct front-end 
alignment and tire balance; rotate
tires at 7,500-mile intervals; see
Owner’s Manual for rotation chart

Tire pressure

Decal on the edge of the 
driver’s door provides tire 
pressure information

Tire chains*

†

Tire chains can damage aluminum
wheels; use on steel wheels only

Tip: Use only SAE class “S”
chains; install only on rear
tires; install as tightly as 
possible and retighten 
periodically
Never exceed 30 mph with 
tire chains

Unleaded

Gasoline

91-octane

recommended

87-octane

minimum

12.7-gallon/

48-liter tank

1.8-liter 4-cylinder

*Denotes optional equipment
† See Owner’s Manual