towing MAZDA MODEL B2300 2002 (in English) User Guide

The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right-hand
turn signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay controlled circuit
activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit
returns to battery's negative
ground.
1
2
34
Driving
177

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
²Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your service maintenance section for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
178

Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
²do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
²do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
²causing internal damage to the components.
²affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with manual transmissions:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
²Release the parking brake.
²Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
²The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the after market manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
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179

4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions:
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions or 4x4 vehicles with manual
transfer cases and automatic transmissions, 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.
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Mazda recommends
the driveshaft 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 loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your pickup is not recommended for slide±in camper bodies.
Driving
180

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Mazda Motor
Corporation offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 60,000
km (36,000 miles), whichever occurs first on Mazda vehicles, and four
years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Mazda vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²limited fuel delivery
²towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Mazda Motor
Corporation dealership, or your selling dealer if within 56.3 km (35
miles) of the nearest Mazda Motor Corporation dealership (one tow
per disablement). Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or
getting stuck in the mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply,
such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
²Coverage period
²Exact fuel amounts
²Towing of your disabled vehicle
²Emergency travel expense reimbursement
²Travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
U.S. Mazda vehicle customers who require roadside assistance, call
1±800±241±3673.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1±800±665±2006.
Roadside Emergencies
181

2. If equipped, unlock and remove
the spare tire carrier lock from
the rear access hole located just
above the rear bumper and
below the tailgate.
3. Insert the straight end of the
jack handle into the rear access
hole located just above the rear
bumper and below the tailgate.
Forward motion will stop and
resistance to turning will be felt
when properly engaged.
4. Turn the handle
counterclockwise until tire is
lowered to the ground and the cable is slightly slack.
5. Remove the retainer from the spare tire.
Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Install the retainer through the
wheel center and slide the
wheel under the vehicle.
3. Turn the spare handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its
original position underneath the
vehicle. The spare handle
ratchets when the tire is raised
to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
Roadside Emergencies
197

10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
11. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare tire.
12. Stow the jack and lug wrench.
Make sure the jack is fastened
so it does not rattle when you
drive.
13. Unblock the wheels.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.1
4 3
2 5
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201

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Mazda Motor Corporation has
not approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the
ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Mazda Motor Corporation produces a towing manual for all authorized
tow truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual
for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside Emergencies
206

INTRODUCTION
Be extremely careful to prevent injury to yourself and others and
damage to your vehicle when using this manual for inspection and
maintenance.
If you're unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you
to have a reliable and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for
your vehicle. Without this expertise and the parts that have been
designed and made especially for your Mazda, inadequate, incomplete,
and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This could lead to
vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been
performed as prescribed.
A claim against a warranty will not qualify if it results from lack of
maintenance and not from defective material or authorized Mazda
workmanship.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda's original
equipment may perform maintenance.But we recommend that it
always be done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer using genuine
Mazda parts.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Schedule I ± Normal Driving Conditions/Emission Control
Systems
Follow Schedule I if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the
following conditions apply. If any do apply follow Schedule II.
²Repeated short-distance driving.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Towing a trailer.
²Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go ªrush hourº traffic.
²Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation.
²High-speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle.
²Off-road operation.
NOTE:After the described period, continue to follow the described
maintenance at the recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Specifications
224

5. The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure
to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty nor limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's
useful life.
SCHEDULE II ± SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If your driving habitsFREQUENTLYinclude one or more of the
following conditions:
²Short trips oflessthan 16 km (10 miles) when outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
²Towing a trailer, or carrying maximum loads.
²Operating in severe dust conditions.
²Operating duringhot weatherin stop-and-go ªrush-hourº traffic.
²Extensive idling, such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service.
²High speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).
²Off-road operation.
Change ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER every 3 months or 4,800 km
(3,000 miles) whichever occurs first.
NOTE:Idling the engine for extended periods will accumulate more
hours of use on your vehicle than is actually indicated by the mileage
odometer. Consequently, the odometer reading can be often misleading
when determining the right time to change your engine oil and filter. If
you are using your vehicle in a manner which allows it to remain
stationary while the engine is running for long periods (door-to-door
delivery, taxi, police, power/utility company trucks, or similar duty), then
Mazda recommends you increase the frequency of oil and filter changes
to an interval equivalent to 200 ENGINE HOURS of use. Since most
vehicles are not equipped with hour-meters, it may be necessary for you
to approximate your idle time and plan oil/filter changes accordingly.
Maintenance and Specifications
229