Mazda B2300 Truck (2009 year). Instruction

WARNING:

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

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

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through
five.

(Overdrive) can be

deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever.

This will illuminate the O/D OFF
lamp and activate Drive.

Drive (not shown)

Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

other gears. Examples: city traffic where continuous shifting in and
out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and
when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control

switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

off.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

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2 (Second)

Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.

1 (First)

• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Forced downshifts

• Allowed in

(Overdrive) or Drive.

• Depress the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

To start the vehicle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

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2. Press the clutch pedal to the

floor, then put the gearshift
lever in the neutral position.

3. Start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and move

the gearshift lever to the
desired gear; 1 (First) or R
(Reverse).

5. Release the parking brake, then

slowly release the clutch pedal
while slowly pressing on the accelerator.

During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.

Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.

Recommended shift speeds

Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:

Upshift and downshift according to the following charts:

Upshifts

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2WD and 4H

1 -2

10 mph (16 km/h)

4 mph (6 km/h)

2 - 3

19 mph (26 km/h)

8 mph (10 km/h)

3 - 4

28 mph (43 km/h)

12 mph (16 km/h)

4 - 5 (Overdrive)

40 mph (68 km/h)

16 mph (26 km/h)

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Maximum downshift speeds

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2WD and 4H

5 (Overdrive) - 4

55 mph (88 km/h)

22 mph (34 km/h)

4 - 3

45 mph (72 km/h)

18 mph (27 km/h)

3 - 2

35 mph (56 km/h)

14 mph (21 km/h)

2 - 1

20 mph (32 km/h)

8 mph (11 km/h)

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift

into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.

2. Move the gearshift lever into the

neutral position and wait at
least three seconds before
shifting into R (Reverse).

• The gearshift lever can only be

moved into R (Reverse) by
moving it from left of 3 (Third)
and 4 (Fourth) before shifting
into R (Reverse). This is a
lockout feature that protects the
transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Overdrive).

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.

2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).

3. Turn the ignition off.

WARNING:

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move

unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the

parking brake fully.

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Removing the key

Turn the ignition off, push the
release lever (located above the
ignition), then turn the key toward
you and remove the key.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING:

For important information regarding safe operation

of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this

chapter.

Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.

If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not engage. This is normal and should be no
reason for concern.

Refer to Shifting to/from 4WD Low for proper

operation.

4WD system indicator lights
• 4x4 - Momentarily illuminates

when the vehicle is started.
Illuminates when 4H (4WD High)
is engaged.

PUSH

4x4

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• 4x4 LOW – Momentarily

illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.

Using the electronic shift 4WD system

2H (2WD High)

- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and

highway driving.

4H (4WD High)

- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads

or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.

4L (4WD Low)

- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all

four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand,
steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage
while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper operation.

Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward

speed.

Note:

Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.

Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note:

Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.

This is normal and should be no reason for concern.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the

transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.

3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.

• If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the

instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.

4x4

LOW

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• If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the

instrument cluster to turn off indicating the shift is complete.

Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles

4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.

The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.

Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

Basic operating principles
• Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce

excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.

• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering

characteristics of your vehicle.

• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by

loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but

avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.

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• It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow

down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.

• It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway

reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.

WARNING:

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as

utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than

vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles 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 and 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.

If your vehicle gets stuck

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.

WARNING:

Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).

The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn

must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are

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called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.

• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not

attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.

WARNING:

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as

utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than

• If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from

concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.

4WD Systems

4WD (when you select a 4WD mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in the Driving chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance
can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. You
should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.

Normal characteristics

On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds.

Sand

When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower

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gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.

Mud and water

If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.

When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.

If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.

Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.

If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.

After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.

“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Mazda Motor
Corporation joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land

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Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain

Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills

. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and

possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.

When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.

If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.

Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the

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vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.

Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes.

Driving on snow and ice

4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.

Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer
to the Brakes section of this chapter for additional information on the
operation of the anti-lock brake system.

Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Mazda Motor
Corporation strongly recommends that you do not make modifications
such as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or
by using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.

Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Mazda Motor Corporation recommends that caution be used with any
vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or
pickup box cover).

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Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).

When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.

Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.

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HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL

The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.

Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.

Note:

With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.

After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.

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The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located on the right side of the
passenger footwell, behind the fuse
panel door.

To reset the switch:

1. Turn the ignition off.

2. Check the fuel system for leaks.

3. If no leaks are apparent, reset

the switch by pushing in on the
reset button.

4. Turn the ignition on.

5. Wait a few seconds and return

the key to off.

6. Make another check for leaks.

FUSES AND RELAYS

Fuses

If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.

Note:

Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage

rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.

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Standard fuse amperage rating and color

COLOR

Fuse

rating

Mini

fuses

Standard

fuses

Maxi

fuses

Cartridge

maxi

fuses

Fuse link

cartridge

Grey

—

Violet

—

Pink

—

Tan

—

7.5A

Brown

—

10A

Red

—

15A

Blue

—

20A

Yellow

Blue

25A

Natural

—

30A

Green

Pink

40A

—

Orange

Green

50A

—

Red

60A

—

Blue

Yellow

70A

—

Tan

—

Brown

80A

—

Natural

Black

Passenger compartment fuse panel

The fuse panel is located under the
right-hand side of the instrument
panel behind the kick panel. A fuse
puller tool is located near the lower
right corner of the fuse box; this
tool will assist you in pulling the
fuses out for inspection, if
necessary.

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Mazda B2300 Truck (2009 year). Instruction - part 11