GROUNDWORK — Remove bird droppings before paint damage Task: mazda-bird-droppings | Content version 2.0.0 Source page: https://csl-12-auto-repair.pages.dev/tasks/mazda-bird-droppings/ MODEL / APPLICABILITY [{"modelId":"mazda3-2017-us","market":"US","year":2017,"engine":"SKYACTIV-G 2.0 / 2.5 gasoline","configurations":["all","4-door","5-door","type-b-audio"]}] EXCLUSIONS Other model years and markets; imported Axela or diesel models; modified or aftermarket components with a different procedure. PREPARE [ ] Park in a safe place away from traffic. Work with the vehicle stationary, parking brake set and ignition off unless a step explicitly calls for a parked functional check. [ ] Is the deposit accessible on intact paint, with suitable soft cleaning materials? [ ] Keep children and pets away from tools, fluids and coin cells. Never enter underneath the vehicle. [ ] Soft sponge or soft damp tissue [ ] Soft drying cloth [ ] Clean water [ ] Suitable nonabrasive automotive wax, used according to label OBSERVE & RECORD Observation date: __________ Vehicle / equipment confirmed: __________ Record whether the deposit released gently and whether the exposed finish is intact after rinsing and drying. Deposit location: __________ Softening and gentle removal result: __________ Stain, etching, peeling or intact finish: __________ Cleaned-area wax or deferred finish repair: __________ Before care: __________ STEPS 1. [ ] Remove bird droppings promptly; the manual explains that their acids can harm the finish. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 2. [ ] Use a soft sponge and water, or a moistened tissue when those are unavailable. Gently loosen the deposit rather than scraping it. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 3. [ ] Rinse away released material with water. Stop if removing it would require abrasive force. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 4. [ ] Dry with a soft cloth and inspect for remaining stain or finish damage. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 5. [ ] Wax the cleaned area following the automotive wax label and the manual’s nonabrasive finish-care guidance. Etching or peeled paint requires suitable finish repair. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 6. [ ] Record whether the deposit released gently and whether the exposed finish is intact after rinsing and drying. https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 DECISION CHECKS Is the deposit accessible on intact paint, with suitable soft cleaning materials? Yes — ready for this check → Continue with the steps, stopping if the real component differs from the manual. Not yet / not sure → Preparation saved. Return when the condition is confirmed; leave the vehicle untouched. Paint already peeling, etched damage or hardened material that will not release gently → Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. What is visible after gentle removal? Deposit removed, area rinsed / dried and intact finish protected → Did the deposit release without scraping, leaving intact finish suitable for wax? Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. → Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. I have only prepared the plan → Plan prepared; no physical maintenance result recorded. Did the deposit release without scraping, leaving intact finish suitable for wax? Deposit removed gently; finish intact and protection recorded → Deposit removed, area rinsed / dried and intact finish protected The observation or repeat check is still incomplete → Plan prepared; no physical maintenance result recorded. Bonded residue, etching or peeling remains → Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. RECHECK At the next ordinary wash, is any stain or etched/peeling area still present despite deposit removal? After care: __________ Retest: not checked / improved / unchanged / worse If an earlier condition changes, reassess the later checks and result. RESULT CHECK What is visible after gentle removal? Deposit removed, area rinsed / dried and intact finish protected Record only the result you actually observed. A saved web checklist is not confirmation that a vehicle has been repaired. Did the deposit release without scraping, leaving intact finish suitable for wax? At the next ordinary wash, is any stain or etched/peeling area still present despite deposit removal? STOP CONDITIONS Paint already peeling, etched damage or hardened material that will not release gently Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. A part, label, connector or fastener differs from the cited manual; access requires raising the vehicle; you cannot identify the correct component. SERVICE HANDOFF Take the recorded observations, their dates and any actual work history to the service provider. Deposit remains bonded, etched damage or peeling: arrange finish assessment instead of scraping. Notes: __________ SOURCES 2017 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual — Bird Droppings, Insects and Tree Sap, printed p.6-65 https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/global-resources/vehicle-resources/owner-manuals/2017/mazda3/2017-mazda3-owners-manual.pdf#page=478 | PDF page 478 Source checked 2026-10-04 Copyright retained by manufacturer; factual reference only. Original wording and schematic; no OEM images or manual redistribution. This blank plan records no completed maintenance or verified repair.