transmission fluid MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES 2003 Owners Manual (in English)

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
NOTE:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
!
BRAKE
BRAKE
RELEASE
Driving
117

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to the driveshafts and
tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
Driving
127

4x2 equipped with automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles:
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions or 4x4 vehicles with an
electronic-shift transfer case and automatic transmission, follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
²Release the parking brake.
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
²Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
²The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transfer case components.
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (4x4 only) and rear
driveshafts. Mazda recommends the driveshafts be removed/installed only
by a qualified technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid or transfer case fluid loss, damage to the
driveshaft and internal transmission and transfer case
components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your pickup is not recommended for slide±in camper bodies.
Driving
139

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 Miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(x 1000 km) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
Caliper slide rails L L L L
Drum brake system, lines and hoses I I I I
Exhaust system for leaks, damage,
loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if equipped
with grease fittings)LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for damage
and operation)III I
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIII I
Remarks:For * marked items in this maintenance chart, please pay
attention to the following points:
1. The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 800 km (500 miles) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel
change, or at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened.
2. Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in
water.
3. At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
4. Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and
gap specifications.
Maintenance and Specifications
184

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
x 1000 Miles 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
(x 1000 km) (104) (112) (121) (128) (136) (144) (152) (160) (168)(176)(184) (192)
Drum brake system, lines and
hosesIIII
Exhaust system for leaks,
damage, loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if
equipped with grease fittings)L LLLLL
Parking brake system (for
damage and operation)IIII
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts I
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIIII
Remarks:For * marked items in this maintenance chart, please pay
attention to the following points:
1. The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 800 km (500 miles) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel
change, or at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened.
2. Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in
water.
3. At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
Maintenance and Specifications
186

Special Operating
Conditions
Replace Engine Oil and Filter
Inspect Brake System
Replace Fuel Filter
Change Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replace Spark Plugs
Replace Engine Air Filter
Change Manual Transmission Fluid
Inspect and Lubricate U-Joints
Lubricate Front Wheel Bearing (4x2)
Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4)
Suggested Maintenance
Interval3,000
miles or
3 months5,000
miles15,000
miles30,000
miles60,000
milesAs
requiredAs
requiredAs
required30,000
miles60,000
miles
Towing a trailer or
using a camper or
car top carrierXX XX
Extensive idling or
low-speed driving
for long distances
as in heavy
commercial use
such as delivery,
taxi or patrol carX XXXX XX
Operating in dusty
conditions such as
unpaved or dusty
roadsXXX X
Off road operation X X X
For specific recommendations see your authorized Mazda dealer or
qualified service professional.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable
operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
Maintenance and Specifications
188

While operating your vehicle
²Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
²Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in this
straight ahead position.
²Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or ªpullsº to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
²When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or ªhard to pushº brake pedal.
²If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
²Check automatic transmission Park function.
²Check parking brake.
At least monthly
²Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
²Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
²Check engine oil level.
²Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
²Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
²Check and clean body and door drain holes.
²Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
²Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
²Check parking brake for proper operation.
²Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
²Check air pressure in spare tire.
²Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
²Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, safety belt) for
operation.
Maintenance and Specifications
189

²Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
²Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
²Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Informationº to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
190

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
Maintenance and Specifications
192

3.0L V6 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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Maintenance and Specifications
193