towing MAZDA MODEL MPV 2004 Owners Manual (in English)

2-17
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Folding the Second-Row Seats
The second-row seatbacks can be folded
down and used as tables when the vehicle
is not moving.
To fold the seatback
1. If your vehicle is equipped with an
armrest, return the armrest to the
upright position.
2. Put the buckle in the pocket of the seat
bottom.3. Raise the reclining lever and lower the
seatback forward. Make sure the
seatback is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position
Raise the reclining lever and lift the
seatback upright. Attempt to move the
seatback forward and backward to make
sure it is locked.
Using Folded Seatback as a Table
While the Vehicle is Moving:
Using the folded seatback as a table
while driving is dangerous. During
sudden braking or a collision, objects
placed on the folded seatback could
become projectiles that could hit and
injure someone. Never use the folded
seat as a table while the vehicle is
moving.
WARNINGLowering the seatback without
stowing the seat belt buckle could
damage the seatback.
CAUTION
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2-18
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Removal of Second-Row Seats
The second-row seats can be removed to
create a more comfortable space between
the third-row and front seats. Additional
cargo space is available with the removal
of the second-row seats and stowing of the
third-row seat.
To r e m o v e t h e s e a t
1. Put the buckle in the pocket of the seat
bottom.
2. Lower the head restraint all the way
down.
3. Slide the seat all the way back.
Seat Removal or Installation While
Vehicle is Moving or on a Slope:
Removing or installing the second-
row seats while the vehicle is moving
or on a slope is dangerous. The seats
are heavier than they appear and
could suddenly detach causing
serious injury. Remove or install the
seats with the vehicle parked on a
level surface.
Riding on the Floor Space:
Riding on the floor space created by
the removal of the second-row seat is
dangerous. Sudden braking or a
collision could cause serious injury.
Do not sit or lie in the floor space for
the second-row seat while the vehicle
is moving. Never ride in a vehicle
where you can’t sit in the seat and
wear the seat belt.
Pinching Fingers or Hands:
Placing your hands around the seat
anchors when removing or installing
the second-row seats is dangerous.
You could pinch your hands or
fingers between the seat anchor and
the seat. Hold the edge of the seat
when lowering it into place. Never
place your hands between the seat
anchor and the seat.
WARNING
Lifting the Seat-Anchor Bar:
Lifting the seat-anchor bar without
firmly supporting the seat with your
hand is dangerous. Lifting the seat
unlocks the front clamps
automatically and could cause the
seat to fall. Support the seat firmly
while lifting the seat-anchor bar.
Lowering the seatback without
stowing the seat belt buckle could
damage the seatback.
WARNING
CAUTION
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2-23
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
2. Pull the third-row seat’s flat-folding
strap and push the seatback down until
it locks.

Stowing the Third-Row Seat
More storage space can be created by
folding away the third-row seat into the
rear seat well. With the second-row seats
removed and the third-row seat stowed,
even more space is available.
Flat-folding strap
Riding in the Seat Well:
Riding in the seat well for the third-
row seat is dangerous. Sudden
braking or a collision could cause
serious injury. Do not sit or lie in the
seat well while the vehicle is moving.
Never ride in a vehicle where you
can’t sit in the seat and wear the seat
belt.
Pinching Fingers or Hands:
Placing your hands around the seat
stowage well when stowing the third-
row seat is dangerous. You could
pinch your hands or fingers between
the seat and the well. Hold the handle
when lowering the seat into place.
Never place your hands between the
seat and the seat well.
Unlocked Seatback:
An unlocked seatback is dangerous.
While stowing the seat, the seatback
could suddenly move causing serious
injury. Push the seatback forward and
backward to make sure it is locked in
place.
NOTE
Remove any items from the seat well
for the third-row seat before stowing
the seat. Anything in the baggage area
when the seat is set into the well can
damage the seatback material and
prevent a flat cargo area.
WARNING
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2-24
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Stowing the third-row seat
1. Insert the seat belts in the retainers.
2. Remove the head restraint and set them
aside temporarily (page 2-22).
3. Pull strap A and ease the seatback
toward the front of the vehicle with
your other hand and be sure it locks
with a click.4. Pull strap B and lift the combined
seatback and seat bottom up to vertical
with your other hand. Gently lower the
seat into the seat well.
5. Insert the head restraints between the
floor and seat at the positions indicated
on the labels.
Retainer
Strap A
Strap B
Labels
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4-1
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
4Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
......................................... 4-2
Fuel Requirements ..................................................................... 4-2
Emission Control System .......................................................... 4-3
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ......................................... 4-5
Before Starting the Engine
........................................................... 4-6
Before Getting In ....................................................................... 4-6
After Getting In ......................................................................... 4-6
Driving Tips
................................................................................... 4-7
Break-In Period ......................................................................... 4-7
Money-Saving Suggestions ....................................................... 4-7
Hazardous Driving ..................................................................... 4-8
Rocking the Vehicle ................................................................... 4-9
Winter Driving ........................................................................... 4-9
Driving In Flooded Area ......................................................... 4-11
Overloading ............................................................................. 4-11
To w i n g
.......................................................................................... 4-12
Trailer Towing ......................................................................... 4-12
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4-12
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
To w i n g
Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you must tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety
depends on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling,
braking, durability, performance, and economy.
Never overload vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need further
details.

Weight Limits
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.
•The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and vehicle load. Never allow
the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer Towing-Load
Ta b l e .
•The maximum GCWR is the combined weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifications in the load table.
GAWR and GVWR
Don’t exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected.
These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the
driver’s door.
High-altitude operation
In a high-altitude operating environment, a gasoline engine loses power at a rate of 3% to
4% per 304 m (1,000 ft) of elevation. In these conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle
weight and gross combined weight is recommended.
Trailer Towing
Don’t tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do,
you may damage the engine, transaxle, differential, wheel bearings, and other power
train components.
CAUTION
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4-13
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.
The optional 4-Seasons Package: Including among others, automatic transaxle oil cooler
and large radiator. Vehicles with the 4-Seasons Package can tow a heavier trailer and carry
more cargo weight than standard-equipped vehicles.
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating (sum of TTW, vehicle weights and 2 passengers)
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Model
With 4-Seasons
PackageWithout 4-Seasons
Package
Item
MAX. FRONTAL
AREA2.97m
2(32 ft2)
MAX. TTWAdd trailer’s weight, load and hitch;
vehicle passengers and vehicle load
*
*
i.e. baggage, food, camp gear
1,361 kg (3,000 lb) 907 kg (2,000 lb)
MAX. GCWR
3,324 kg (7,328 lb) 2,871 kg (6,329 lb)
MAX. GAWRFront
1,180 kg (2,601 lb)
Rear
1,214 kg (2,676 lb)
MAX. GVWR
2,372 kg (5,229 lb)
TRAILER-
TONGUE LOADTongue load/
Trailer load × 100 = 10% to 15%
DISTRIBUTION
OF TRAILER
LOADFront
60%
Rear
40%
Tongue loadTrailer load
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4-14
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Trailer Hitch
Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility
of damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
When the trailer load is more than 907 kg (2,000 lb), use a frame-mounted weight-
distributing hitch.
Tow Loads:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause
serious handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or
vehicle damage, or both. Always keep tow loads within specified limits in the Trailer
To w i n g - L o a d Ta b l e .
Trailer Loading:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing
so could cause you to lose control. The trailer tongue load must be 10%-15% of the
total trailer load (sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo). Try to load the trailer
with the weight about 60% toward the front and 40% toward the rear.
Determining Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in
loss of control and a serious accident. Always have the total trailer weight and tongue
load determined prior to departure.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.
WARNING
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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4-16
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

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 yourself before each trip.
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
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