Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual - 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