Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction

• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components

TRACTION-LOK AXLE/LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)

This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a tire.

PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE

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 safety
belt.

Your vehicle has 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 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.

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118

WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn

ignition key to LOCK, then
remove the key.

2. Insert the key and turn it to

OFF. Apply the brake pedal
and shift to N (Neutral).

WARNING: In the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

3. Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.

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119

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 Mazda dealership.

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

Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery is installed, the strategy must relearn.

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

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120

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.

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, 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

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121

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

The manual transmission has 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.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the

neutral position.

3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking

brake.

4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the

clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.

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 reduce the life of the clutch.

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122

Recommended shift speeds

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

Upshifts when accelerating (for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2H or 4H

1 - 2

14 km/h (10 mph)

5 km/h (4 mph)

2 - 3

32 km/h (22 mph)

11 km/h (9 mph)

3 -4

50 km/h (33 mph)

19 km/h (13 mph)

4 - 5 (Overdrive)

71 km/h (41 mph)

27 km/h (17 mph)

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2H or 4H

1 -2

16 km/h (10 mph)

6 km/h (4 mph)

2 - 3

26 km/h (19 mph)

10 km/h (8 mph)

3 - 4

43 km/h (28 mph)

16 km/h (12 mph)

4 - 5 (Overdrive)

68 km/h (40 mph)

26 km/h (16 mph)

Maximum downshift speeds

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2H or 4H

5 (Overdrive) - 4

88 km/h (55 mph)

34 km/h (22 mph)

4 - 3

72 km/h (45 mph)

27 km/h (18 mph)

3 - 2

56 km/h (35 mph)

21 km/h (14 mph)

2 - 1

32 km/h (20 mph)

11 km/h (8 mph)

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).

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123

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.

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 from 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, 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.

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124

4WD system indicator lights

• 4WD - Illuminates when 4H

(4WD High) is engaged.

• 4WD LOW – Illuminates when 4L

(4WD Low) is engaged.

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)

2WD (2WD High) - Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.

4X4 HIGH (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.

4X4 LOW (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. 4X4 LOW (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 4X4 (4WD Low) for
proper operation.

Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)

• Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at any forward

speed.

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

4X4

HIGH

2WD

4X4

LOW

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125

Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

2. Depress the brake

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

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

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

• If shifting into 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light

in the instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.

• If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light

in the instrument cluster to turn off indicating the shift is complete.

Driving off-road with 4WD

Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.

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. For more
information on driving off-road, read the “Four Wheeling” supplement in
your owner’s portfolio.

If your vehicle gets stuck

If the vehicle is stuck it may be rocked out by shifting from 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.

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126

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Sand

When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.

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.

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

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 where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.

Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain

When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.

When climbing a steep 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.

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127

When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.

When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.

If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.

If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h [30
mph]).

Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of

(Overdrive) into

a lower gear.

Driving on snow and ice

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

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.

When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.

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.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.

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. Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.

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128

SPECIAL LOADING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OWNERS OF PICKUP
TRUCKS AND UTILITY-TYPE VEHICLES

WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle
section in this chapter.

WARNING: Loaded vehicles may handle differently than
unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.

Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Vehicle loading

Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
• Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard

equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.

• Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants

and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.

• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload

weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum permissible total

weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle

system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.

• GCW (Gross Combined Weight): The combined weight of the

towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum permissible

combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.

• Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the

vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is

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129

determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.

• Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded

vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.

• Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must

fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.

NOTE: Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer
when figuring the total weight.

WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label, this could affect vehicle handling and
cause an accident.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than
the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver’s door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of occupants or amount of cargo carried).

You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.

Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits.

WARNING: Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, and/or personal injury.

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Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow

1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing

section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.

2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take

your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for
trucks.

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.

This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.

Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.

Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.

4x2 w/manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

trailer

weight - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area

of trailer -

(ft

)

Regular Cab

2.3L

All

2,177 (4,800)

744 (1,640)

Equal to

frontal area

of vehicle

3.0L Dual

Sport

All

2,722 (6,000)

1,161 (2,560)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

3.0L Dual

Sport

All

2,722 (6,000)

1,070 (2,360)

4.64 (50)

4.0L Dual

Sport

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,488 (3,380)

4.64 (50)

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4x2 w/manual transmission

For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1, 000
ft.) elevation.

For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle Loading earlier
in this chapter.

To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load earlier in this chapter.

Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).

4x4 w/manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

trailer

weight - kg

(lbs)

Maximum

frontal area

of trailer -

(ft

)

Regular Cab

3.0L

All

2,722 (6,000)

1,070 (2,360)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

3.0L

All

2,722 (6,000)

980 (2,160)

4.64 (50)

4.0L

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,388 (3,060)

4.64 (50)

For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1, 000
ft.) of elevation.

For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loading earlier
in this chapter.

To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load earlier in this chapter.

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4x2 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

trailer

weight - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area

of trailer -

(ft

)

Regular Cab

2.3L

All

2,495 (5,500)

1,025 (2,260)

Equal to

frontal area

of vehicle

3.0L Dual

Sport

All

3,402 (7,500)

1,823 (4,020)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

3.0L Dual

Sport

All

3,402 (7,500)

1,733 (3,820)

4.64 (50)

4.0L Dual

Sport

All

4,309 (9,500)

2,604 (5,740)

4.64 (50)

For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1, 000
ft.) elevation.

For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle Loading earlier
in this chapter.

To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load earlier in this chapter.

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Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction - part 8