tires MAZDA MODEL MPV 2004 Owners Manual (in English)

1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Exterior Overview
Windshield wiper blades
Power windows
Hood
Fog lights*
Front turn signal lights/Front side-marker lights
Headlights
Fuel-filler lid
Doors and keys
Rear windshield
wiper blades
Liftgate
License plate
lights
Reverse lights
Rear turn signal lights
Tires
Rear window defrosterChild safety lock
Outside mirrors Brake lights/Taillights
Parking lights
Moonroof*
High-mount brake light
Side turn signal lights Taillights/Rear side-marker lights
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31)
(page 5-38)(page 3-12)
(page 8-22)
(page 3-18)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-20)
(page 3-24)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31)(page 3-33)
(page 8-27)
(page 3-25)
(page 3-23) (page 3-19)
(page 3-2)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31) (page 8-31)
(page 8-31)
*Some models.
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4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Is the seat adjusted properly?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels
should be inspected daily, weekly, or at
refueling, depending on the fluid. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don’t race the engine.
•Don’t maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
•Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
•Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
•Avoid full-throttle starts.
•Don’t tow a trailer.How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
•Avoid fast starts.
•Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
•Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
•Slow down on rough roads.
•Keep the tires properly inflated.
•Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
•Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
•Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
•Keep windows closed at high speeds.
•Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
WARNING
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4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
•Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
•If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
•If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don’t spin the front
wheels.
•For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
WARNING
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
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4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.

Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving
1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
•Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
•Chains may affect handling.
•Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
•Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
•Avoid locked-wheel braking.
•Don’t use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire.
•Don’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
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4-15
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Tires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver’s door. Trailer tire size, load
rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.
Unsecured Hitch:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from
crosswinds, rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If
the hitch is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water,
dirt and other foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety
and damaging your vehicle.
Don’t install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper’s
performance. Always make sure the hitch is securely attached before departure.
Exhaust System Modifications:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle
could kill you.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust
system. Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if
any mounting bolts are connected to the body.
•Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Don’t load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.
•Don’t use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
Using a Temporary Spare Tire when Towing:
Using a temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants. Never use
a temporary spare when towing.
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
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4-19
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
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).
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5-7
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)*
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel’s brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don’t
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, after checking that
the parking brake is released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
Don’t drive with this light on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on ABS as a
substitute for safe driving.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
WARNING
*Some models.
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5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 5-gear sequence.
3 (Third)
The 3 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 141 km/h (87 mph) in the 3
position.
2 (Second)
Use the 2 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 93 km/h (57 mph) in the 2
position.

Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.

To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the shift lever.
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Do not use sudden
engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds.
WARNING
NOTE
•When the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position, the transaxle
cannot be shifted from P.
•If the brake is pumped with the shift
lever in P, a chattering near the shift
lever may be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
•To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
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5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.

TCS Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS may have a
malfunction and it may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Traction Control System
(TCS)*
TCS and Unsafe Driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow.
WARNING
NOTE
•In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS is operating
properly.
•On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.
*Some models.
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