towing MAZDA MODEL MPV 2003 (in English) User Guide

4-16
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the
hitch. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or
hitch manufacturer for more details.

Trailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer
as required before towing it day or night.

Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your
trailer has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Towing Without Safety Chain:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and
the vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the
trailer could wander into another lane and cause a collision. Make sure the safety
chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to departure.
Don’t connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda.
This may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and lighting systems. Have a
recreational vehicle dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the
brake lights and turn signals each time before driving.
Hydraulic Trailer-Brake System:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury. Don’t connect a
hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle’s brake system.
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 16 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

4-17
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Trailer Towing Tips
•Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is connected. Don’t drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position.
Inspect for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.
•Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from
shifting.
•Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
•Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
•Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
•Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
•Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
•Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
•Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
•Use the following positions when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily
loaded.
OD (overdrive) off
Shift lever in D
These positions will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 17 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

4-19
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Parking
Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.
Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:
1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.
2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires.
3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.
If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.
If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.
4. Firmly apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.
To restart after parking on an incline:
1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.
Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.
4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.
Fuel consumption
Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 19 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

7-1
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
7In Case of an Emergency
Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.
Parking in an Emergency
........................................................... 7- 2
Parking in an Emergency ......................................................... 7- 2
Flat Tire
........................................................................................ 7- 3
Spare Tire and Tool Storage .................................................... 7- 3
Changing a Flat Tire ................................................................ 7- 8
Overheating
................................................................................. 7-15
Overheating ............................................................................. 7-15
Emergency Starting
.................................................................... 7-17
Starting a Flooded Engine ....................................................... 7-17
Jump-Starting .......................................................................... 7-17
Push-Starting ........................................................................... 7-19
Emergency Towing
...................................................................... 7-20
Towing Description ................................................................. 7-20
Tiedown Hooks ........................................................................ 7-21
Recreational Towing ................................................................ 7-21
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 1 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

7-20
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Emergency Towing
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
front wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
Towing Description
Wheel dollies
Don’t tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transaxle.
Don’t tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
CAUTION
CAUTION
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 20 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

7-21
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Tiedown Hooks-Front

Tiedown Hook-Rear
An example of “ recreational towing ” is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transaxle is not designed for towing
this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
“ Towing Description ” (page 7-20) and
“ Tiedown Hooks ” (page 7-21) and
carefully follow the instructions.
Tiedown Hooks
Don’t use the tiedown hooks under the
front and rear for towing.
They are designed ONLY for tying
down the vehicle when it’s being
transported. Using them for towing
will damage the bumper.
CAUTION
Recreational Towing
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 21 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

8-3
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Scheduled Maintenance
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
•Repeated short-distance driving
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Driving with extended use of brakes
•Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
•Driving on rough or muddy roads
•Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
•Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
•Towing a trailer
Scheduled Maintenance
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 3 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Schedule 2
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R:
Replace L :
Lubricate C :
Clean
ENGINE
IGNITION SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
*
1According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or kilometrage
(mileage) period to ensure long-term reliability.
*
2If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the spark plugs every 96,000 km(60,000 miles) or
shorter.
a)Repeated short-distance driving
b)Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c)Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
d)Towing a trailerMaintenance Interval
(Number of months or
kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first)Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Engine oilPuerto RicoReplace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
OthersRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filterRRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts II
PCV valve
*1I
Hoses and tubes for emission(Puerto Rico)I
Spark plugs (Platinum
tipped type)USAReplace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Others
*2Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Air filterPuerto RicoCRCR
OthersCR C
Fuel lines and hoses
*1I I
Cooling systemII
Engine coolantReplace at first 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Function of all lightsIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connectionsII
Brake fluidRR
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkagesII
Power steering fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Front suspension ball jointsII
Driveshaft dust bootsII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shieldsII
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Refrigerant amountIIII
Compressor operationIIII
Cabin air filter (if equipped)Replace once a year or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

11-3
Index
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
D
Dashboard Illumination ................... 5-22
Daytime Running Lights
.................. 5-33
Defroster
Rear window
............................. 5-36
Dimensions
...................................... 10-5
Door Locks
......................................... 3-8
Driving In Flooded Area
.................. 4-10
Driving Tips
....................................... 4-7
Automatic transaxle
.................. 5-11
Break-in period
........................... 4-7
Driving in flooded area
............. 4-10
Hazardous driving
....................... 4-8
Money-saving suggestions
.......... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle
.................... 4-8
Winter driving
............................. 4-9
E
Easy Closure .................................... 3-12
Emergency Starting
.......................... 7-17
Flooded engine
.......................... 7-17
Jump-starting
............................ 7-17
Push-starting
............................. 7-19
Emergency Towing
.......................... 7-20
Emission Control System
................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant
...................................... 8-11
Exhaust gas
................................. 4-5
Hood release
............................. 3-24
Oil
............................................... 8-9
Overheating
............................... 7-15
Starting
........................................ 5-3
Engine Compartment Overview
........ 8-8
Engine Coolant
Overheating
............................... 7-15
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
............................................... 5-21
Exhaust Gas
....................................... 4-5
E
Exterior Care ....................................8-40
Eyeglass Holder
................................6-48
F
Flasher
Hazard warning
.........................5-37
Headlights
.................................5-32
Flat Tire
..............................................7-3
Changing
.....................................7-8
Spare tire and tool storage
...........7-3
Fluids
Classification
.............................10-4
Owner maintenance
.....................8-6
Fog Lights
........................................5-34
Foot Brake
..........................................5-4
Front Console
...................................6-49
Front seats
..........................................2-3
Fuel
Filler lid and cap
.......................3-22
Gauge
........................................5-22
Requirements
..............................4-2
Tank capacity
............................10-5
Fuses
.................................................8-33
Panel description
.......................8-35
Replacement
..............................8-33
G
Gauges ..............................................5-19
Glove Box
........................................6-49
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 3 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

11-5
Index
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
P
Paint Damage ................................... 8-38
Parking Brake
..................................... 5-5
Parking in an Emergency
................... 7-2
Power Door Locks
........................... 3-10
Power Sliding Doors
........................ 3-12
Power Steering
................................. 5-12
Fluid
.......................................... 8-14
Power Windows
............................... 3-19
Push-Starting
.................................... 7-19
R
Rear Console .................................... 6-50
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
......... 3-11
Rear Quarter Windows
.................... 3-22
Rear Window Defroster
................... 5-36
Rear Window Washer
...................... 5-36
Rear Window Wiper
........................ 5-36
Rearview Mirror
............................... 3-32
Recreational Towing
........................ 7-21
Registering Your Vehicle in A
Foreign Country
............................... 9-10
Rocking the Vehicle
........................... 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................ 9-15
Seat Belt System
2-point type
............................... 2-33
3-point type
............................... 2-29
Automatic locking
.................... 2-28
Emergency locking
................... 2-27
Extender
.................................... 2-35
Pregnant women
....................... 2-27
Pretensioner and load limiting
.. 2-31
Seat belt precautions
................. 2-26
Warning beep
............................ 2-36
Warning light
............................ 2-36
S
Seats
Flat folding
................................2-24
Front seat
.....................................2-3
Second-row seats
.........................2-9
Third-Row Seat
.........................2-17
Second-row seats
................................2-9
Security System
Immobilizer system
...................3-27
Theft-deterrent system
..............3-29
Service Publications
.........................9-16
Shopping Bag Hooks
........................6-51
Spare Tire and Tool Storage
...............7-3
Specifications
...................................10-4
Speedometer
.....................................5-20
SRS Air Bags
Air bag system description
........2-54
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions
................................2-50
Warning light
............................2-59
Starting the Engine
.............................5-3
Steering Wheel
.................................3-31
Horn
..........................................5-37
Storage Box
......................................6-49
Storage Compartments
.....................6-48
Cargo securing loops
.................6-50
Eyeglass holder
.........................6-48
Front console
.............................6-49
Glove box
..................................6-49
Overhead console
......................6-48
Rear console
..............................6-50
Shopping bag hooks
..................6-51
Storage box
...............................6-49
Under seat tray
..........................6-49
Sunroof
.............................................3-25
Sunshade
...........................................3-26
Sunvisors
..........................................6-41
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM