2003 Mazda Protege Owner's Manual - Page 85

J39L_EA.book Page 2 Saturday, June 8, 2002 5:35 PM Before Driving Your Mazda Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions Fuel Requirements Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL, which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum. Fuel with a lower rating could cause the emission control system to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage. Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table. Fuel Regular unleaded fuel Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index) 87 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above) *U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps. MAZDASPEED Protegé Use only premium unleaded fuel:91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above) CAUTION • USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL. Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. The lead will accumulate on the oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result in a malfunction of the emission control system, causing poor performance. • Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly. • Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol". Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not be covered by the Mazda warranty. • Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol. • Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol. • Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol. 4-2 Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G