Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual

8-38

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Your vehicle’s electrical system is
protected by fuses.

If any lights, accessories, or controls don’t
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.

If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

▼ Fuse Replacement

If the electrical system doesn’t work, first
inspect fuses on the driver’s side.

1. Turn off the ignition switch and other

switches.

2. Open the fuse panel cover.

3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse

puller provided on the fuse panel.

4. Inspect it and replace if it’s blown.

5. Push in a new fuse of the same rating,

and make sure it fits tightly. If it
doesn’t, have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer install it.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the RADIO circuit.

Fuses

Fuse panel cover

Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.

Fuse puller

Normal

Blown

CAUTION

8-40

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

▼ Fuse Panel Description

Fuse block (Engine compartment)

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED

COMPONENT

HEATER

40 A

Heater

ABS

60 A

Antilock brake
system, For
protection of
various circuits

IG KEY

60 A

For protection of
various circuits

PTC

30 A

—

GLOW

40 A

—

COOLING

FAN

30 A

Cooling fan

BTN

40 A

Interior lights,
Power door lock

AD FAN

30 A

Additional
cooling fan for air
conditioner

INJ OR

FIP

30 A

Engine control
unit

A/C

10 A

Air conditioner

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED

COMPONENT

ST.SIG

10 A

Starter signal

HORN

15 A

Horn

HAZARD

15 A

Hazard warning
flashers

TAIL

15 A

Taillights

HEAD

C/U

7.5 A

For protection of
various circuits

FOG

15 A

—

FOG

15 A

Fog lights

STOP

15 A

Brake lights

HEAD-R

15 A

Headlight-right

HEAD-L

15 A

Headlight-left

—

HEAD HI

15 A

—

MAIN

100 A

For protection of
all circuits

8-41

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Fuse panel (Driver’s side)

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED

COMPONENT

S/WRM

15 A

For protection of
various circuits

H/CLN

20 A

For protection of
various circuits

RADIO

15 A

Audio system

A/C

15 A

Air conditioner

R.WIPER

10 A

For protection of
various circuits

—

ROOM

10 A

Interior lights,
Trunk light,
Luggage
compartment light

MIRR DEF

10 A

—

DOOR

LOCK

30 A

Power door lock

P/WIND

30 A

—

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED

COMPONENT

WIPER

20 A

Windshield wiper
and washer

ENGINE

10 A

Engine control
unit

METER

10 A

Instrument cluster

—

P/WIND

30 A

Power windows

8-42

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

The paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.

Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint’s protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.

Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent them.

▼ Etching Caused by Acid Rain or

Industrial Fallout

Occurrence

Industrial pollutants and vehicle
emissions drift into the air and mix with
rain or dew to form acids. These acids can
settle on a vehicle’s finish. As the water
evaporates, the acid becomes concentrated
and can damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you suspect that acid rain has settled on
your vehicle’s finish.

▼ Damage Caused by Bird

Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If these
aren’t removed they can eat away the clear
and color base coat of the vehicle’s
paintwork.

When insects stick to the paint surface
and decompose, corrosive compounds
form. These can erode the clear and color
base coat of the vehicle’s paintwork if
they are not removed.

Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.

Prevention

It is necessary to have your Mazda
washed and waxed to preserve its finish
according to the instructions in this
section. This should be done as soon as
possible.

Bird droppings can be removed with a soft
sponge and water. If you are traveling and
these are not available, a moistened tissue
may also take care of the problem. The
cleaned area should be waxed according
to the instructions in this section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.

Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.

How to Minimize
Environmental Paint
Damage

8-43

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

▼ Water Marks

Occurrence

Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will concentrate
and harden to form white rings. The rings
can damage your vehicle’s finish.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle’s
finish.

▼ Paint Chipping

Occurrence

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle’s tires hits
your vehicle.

How to avoid paint chipping

Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.

NOTE

• The paint chipping zone varies with

the speed of the vehicle. For
example, when traveling at 90 km/h
(56 mph), the paint chipping zone is
50 m (164 ft).

• In low temperatures a vehicle’s

finish hardens. This increases the
chance of paint chipping.

• Chipped paint can lead to rust

forming on your Mazda. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
Mazda touch-up paint according to
the instructions in this section.
Failure to repair the affected area
could lead to serious rusting and
expensive repairs.

8-44

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.

▼ Maintaining the Finish

Washing

To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.

If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.

Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
• The vehicle is washed without first

rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.

• The vehicle is washed with a rough,

dry, or dirty cloth.

• The vehicle is washed at a car wash

that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.

• Cleansers or wax containing abrasives

are used.

To minimize scratches on the vehicle’s
paint finish:
• Rinse off any dirt or other foreign

matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.

• Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water

and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.

• Rub gently when washing or drying the

vehicle.

• Take your vehicle only to a car wash

that keeps its brushes well maintained.

• Don’t use abrasive cleansers or wax

that contain abrasives.

Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the wings, and make sure
the drain holes in the lower edges of the
doors and rocker panels are clean.

Exterior Care

NOTE

• Mazda is not responsible for

scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.

• Scratches are more noticeable on

vehicles with darker paint finishes.

• Don’t use steel wool, abrasive

cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or
anodized aluminum parts. This may
damage the protective coating; also,
cleaners and detergents may
discolor or deteriorate the paint.

• To prevent damaging the antenna,

retract it before entering a car wash
facility or passing beneath a low
overhead clearance.

CAUTION

8-45

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don’t allow soap
to dry on the finish.

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.

Waxing

Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.

1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.

Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.

2. Use a good grade of natural wax for

metallic, mica, and solid colors.

3. When waxing, coat evenly with the

sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

▼ Repairing Damage to the Finish

Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.

▼ Bright-Metal Maintenance

• Use tar remover to remove road tar and

insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.

• To prevent corrosion on bright-metal

surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.

• During cold weather or in coastal

areas, cover bright-metal parts with a
coating of wax or preservative heavier
than usual. It would also help to coat
them with noncorrosive petroleum jelly
or some other protective compound.

Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.

WARNING

NOTE

A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn’t need it.

If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.

CAUTION

8-46

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

▼ Underbody Maintenance

Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.

Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also to
do this every month.

Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.

The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.

▼ Aluminum Wheel Maintenance

A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.

Don’t use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.

CAUTION

NOTE

• Don’t use a wire brush or any

abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.

• Only use a mild soap or neutral

detergent and always use a sponge
or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean
the wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.

• Avoid washing your vehicle in an

automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.

• If your aluminum wheels lose

luster, wax the wheels.

WARNING

8-47

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

▼ Dashboard Precautions

Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They’ll damage and discolor
it. If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.

▼ Cleaning the Upholstery and

Interior Trim

Vinyl

Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.

Leather

Real leather isn’t uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.

Wipe it with a damp soft cloth; then dry
and buff it with a dry soft cloth.

Fabric

Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner.

To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.

▼ Cleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt

Webbing

Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Don’t bleach
or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.

After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there is
no remaining moisture before retracting
them.

Interior Care

Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.

CAUTION

Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.

Damaged Seat Belt:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection. Have your Authorized
Mazda Dealer replace damaged belts
immediately.

CAUTION

WARNING

9-1

Customer Information

Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.

Customer Assistance ..................................................................... 9-2

Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ................................................... 9-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) .................................................. 9-3
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) ........................................... 9-6

Mazda Importer/Distributors ...................................................... 9-7

Importer/Distributor .................................................................. 9-7
Distributor in Each Area ............................................................ 9-7

Warranty ........................................................................................ 9-8

Warranties for Your Mazda ........................................................ 9-8
Outside the United States and Canada ...................................... 9-9
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and Accessories ......................... 9-10

Cell Phones ................................................................................... 9-11

Cell Phones Warning ............................................................... 9-11

Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) .................... 9-12

Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) ................... 9-12

Reporting Safety Defects ............................................................ 9-14

Reporting Safety Defects ......................................................... 9-14

Service Publications .................................................................... 9-15

Service Publications ................................................................ 9-15

Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual - part 15