maintenance schedule MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES 2008 (in English) User Guide
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•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may
result in possible personal injury.
WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
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•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer to theMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
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The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in thescheduled maintenancesection
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Mazda authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda parts in
performance and durability.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
•2.3L I4 engine
•3.0L V6 engine
•4.0L V6 engine
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
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2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, until it reaches
between the MIN and MAX lines. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid
type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer toscheduled maintenancefor the service
interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Mazda specification.
Refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this
chapter.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product
label. For MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
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1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be
in the cross-hatched area.
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CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenancefor the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, only use a genuine Mazda air filter
element.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
1. Loosen the clamp that secures the air inlet tube to the engine air
filter cover and disconnect the tube from the cover (for V6 only).
2. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
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Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Fuel tankRegular cab
(Short wheel
base)—17 gallons (64.4L)
Cab Plus 4 19.5 gallons (73.8L)
1Brake fluid will drop slowly as the brakes wear and will rise when brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the MAX line that do not trigger the brake warning light are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to add fluid. If the levels are outside the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek service from your authorized
dealer immediately.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant. Do not use Mazda Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding
engine coolant, in this chapter.3Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenanceto determine
the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
transmission damage.5Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.6Traction-Lok axles use 4.75–5.0 pints (2.2–2.4L) of rear axle lubricant. Add 4 oz. (118 ml) of
Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14
mm) below the bottom of the filler hole.
If submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
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lubricant specifications ..........259
reverse .....................................160
Mirrors .........................................56
fold away ...................................57
side view mirrors
(power) ...............................56–57
Motorcraft parts ........................240
O
Octane rating ............................243
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................226
Overdrive ...............................59–60
Overheating ...............................188
P
Parking brake ............................153
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................73
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................173
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .......................56–57
Power point .................................54
Power steering ..........................154
fluid, checking and adding ....251
fluid, specifications .................259
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................155
R
Radio ................................19, 21, 27
Relays ........................................169
Remote entry system .................63illuminated entry ......................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........63
panic alarm ...............................63
replacing the batteries .............64
S
Safety defects, reporting ..........205
Safety restraints ..............71, 75–79
Belt-Minder.............................82
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................76–79
for children .........................94–95
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................73
seat belt maintenance ..............80
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety restraints - tether
anchors ......................................102
Safety seats for children ............99
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................265
Satellite Radio Information ........36
Scheduled Maintenance ...........212
Seat Belt Maintenance ...............80
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...71, 75–79
Seats ............................................69
child safety seats ......................99
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................66
Servicing your vehicle ..............220
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM stereo CD .....................21
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................28
Snowplowing .................................7
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