Mazda B2300 Truck (2009 year). Instruction

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 signal

Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.

2. Yellow

Trailer left-hand turn
signal

Circuit 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.

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Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer

tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.

• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first

500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive automatic transmission shifting, use a lower

gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. For additional
information, refer to Automatic transmission operation in the
Driving chapter.

• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside

temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in the Instrument Cluster
chapter.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do 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 scheduled maintenance
information for more information.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice 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.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly

conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so

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equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• To 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).

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

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:
• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of

the rear bumper.

• do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the

bottom edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
• causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting 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 (RV) 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.

2WD and 4WD vehicles with manual transmissions:

Before you tow your vehicle:
• Release the parking brake.

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• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the off/unlocked position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
• Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no

damage is done to the internal transmission components.

For 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission, it is recommended that a
Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized dealer if
the vehicle is towed frequently.

In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided
by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions:

Do not tow your vehicle

with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or transmission damage may
occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off
the ground such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no
recreational towing is permitted.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

4WD vehicles with electronic shift transfer case (Neutral tow kit
accessory):

On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the
ground. Contact your authorized dealer for more details. Do not tow your
vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow
kit as vehicle damage may occur.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

CAMPER BODIES

Your pickup is not recommended for slide–in camper bodies.

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STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Accessory — allows the

electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.

2. Lock — locks the steering

wheel, automatic transmission
gearshift lever and allows key
removal. For vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, you
must depress the ignition
release lever to release the key.

3. Off — shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the

steering wheel.

4. On — all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated.

Key position when driving.

5. Start — cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

Note:

standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING:

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,

creating the risk of fire or other damage.

WARNING:

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass

or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

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WARNING:

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in

other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING:

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their seat belts. For more

information on seat belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:

1. Make sure the parking brake is

set.

2. Push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

3. Turn the key to 4 (on) without

turning the key to 5 (start).

If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• front wheels are turned
• front wheel is against the curb
• steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

Note:

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the

engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

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1. Turn the key to 4 (on) without

turning the key to 5 (start). If
there is difficulty in turning the
key, rotate the steering wheel
until the key turns freely. This
condition may occur when:

• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 5 (start), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Note:

If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,

turn the key to off, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow
the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded
with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

WARNING:

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).

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WARNING:

Failure to follow engine block heater instructions

could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use

your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked

⬙Suitable for Use

with Outdoor Appliances.

⬙ Never use an indoor extension cord

outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of

all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.

• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord

are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.

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• Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall

tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.

How to use the engine block heater

Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning
light in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events and the brake pedal may suddenly
travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake
operation resumes. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake
system.

Note:

The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and

begin to drive away.

A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle

BRAKE

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has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.

WARNING:

The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time

necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping

distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you to stop.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.

ABS

BRAKE

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Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.

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.

BRAKE

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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 help prevent damage to the power steering pump:
• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left

for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level

below the MIN mark on the reservoir.

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering

pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on

the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components

LIMITED-SLIP AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)

This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Limited-slip axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.

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PREPARING TO DRIVE

WARNING:

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover

rate than other types of vehicles.

WARNING:

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is

significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.

WARNING:

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as

utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.

WARNING:

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,

may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload

your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the
ignition in the (4) ON position and the brake pedal depressed, a
malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that the vehicle’s
brakelamps are not operating properly. If the brakelamps are working
properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of (P) Park, see your
authorized dealer for service.

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In an emergency, to disable the malfunctioning brake-shift interlock
feature in order to shift the vehicle from P(Park) follow these steps:

WARNING:

To prevent vehicle movement when following this

procedure, park on a level surface, ensure parking brake is set,

and block the rear wheels.

1. Apply the parking brake. Turn key to the 2 (lock) and then remove

the key;

2. Disconnect the negative (Black) battery cable from the battery;

3. Insert the key and turn to 3 (off). Shift to N (Neutral);

4. Reconnect the negative (Black) battery cable to the battery;

5. Start the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer for service immediately.

WARNING:

If your brake lamps are not working properly or if

you have disconnected the vehicle battery cables, the vehicle

brake lamps and hazard flashers may not properly warn traffic of a
vehicle breakdown or approaching danger, which can increase the risk
of serious injury or death. To minimize the risk of serious injury or
death, be aware of your surroundings, use other hazard signaling
devices if available, and move the vehicle to a safe location away from
traffic as soon as possible.

WARNING:

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

WARNING:

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

WARNING:

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake

warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

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Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.

WARNING:

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the

gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not

hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and
injure someone.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

WARNING:

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the

LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

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Mazda B2300 Truck (2009 year). Instruction - part 10