Mazda 2003 Miata MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 200 / 257

8-21
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean.
5. Put the dipstick back into the filler tube
and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid
level.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Fluid hot scale
When checking the fluid level at normal
operating temperature, the fluid level
should be within the FULL and LOW
marks on the dipstick.
Fluid cold scale
When the vehicle has not been driven but
the engine is idling, and the outside
temperature is above 20°C (70°F), the
fluid level should be close to, but not
above, the bottom notch on the dipstick.
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
Fluid
cold
scale
NOTE
Use the cold scale as a reference.
NOTE
Inspect both sides of the dipstick for
accurate reading.
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 21 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM