Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it

again.

• If the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks, the oil level is

acceptable, DO NOT ADD OIL.

• If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level

within the MIN-MAX range.

• 2.3L I4 engine

SAE 5W-20

• 3.0L V6 engine

SAE 5W-20

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198

• 4.0L SOHC V6 engine

SAE 5W-30

• Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil

must be removed from the engine by a service technician.

7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil

1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine

oil in this chapter.

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only

certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the

MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).

4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.

5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap

clockwise until three clicks can be heard.

To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

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199

Engine Oil Recommendations

2.3L & 3.0L Engines

Look for this certification
trademark.

SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use an equivalent oil Mazda specification.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the service maintenance section.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.

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200

4.0L Engine

Look for this certification
trademark.

SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use an equivalent Mazda Specification.

Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the service maintenance section.

Engine Oil Filter Recommendation

Change your engine oil filter according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the service maintenance section. Mazda production and aftermarket
(Mazda) oil filters are designed for added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that does not meet Mazda Material and
design specifications, start-up engine noises or knock may be
experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Mazda oil filter (or another
brand meeting Mazda specifications) for your engine.

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201

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.

However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.

Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.

If possible, try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the
battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
working near the battery, always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.

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202

WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.

WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start

the engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim

strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and

Maintenance and Specifications

203

will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

Your engine’s cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant, or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Mazda specification.

A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
• maximum cooling system efficiency.
• freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
• boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
• protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant

gauge.

The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.

LEAD

RETURN

RECYCLE

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204

• 2.3L engine

• 3.0L & 4.0L engines

When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold

fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).

• Refer to the service maintenance section for service interval

schedules.

• Confirm the color and type of engine coolant before adding, to avoid

mixing uncompatible products.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

RADIATOR

COOLANT

ONLY

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205

WARNING: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle location.

Adding engine coolant

Use only Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant or a premium engine
coolant that meets a Mazda specification.
• DO NOT USE Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color).

• DO NOT USE a DEX-COOLt engine coolant or an equivalent

engine coolant.

• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine

coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.

• DO NOT USE supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.

These additives may harm your engine’s cooling system.

• DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your

vehicle. Make sure the correct coolant is used.

• DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant

together in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system.

• The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling

system components and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s
engine cooling system. If you are unsure which type of coolant
your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer.

WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid reservoir. If engine coolant is sprayed onto the windshield,
it could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir, until the coolant is at the
“cold fill level” or within the “cold fill range” as listed in the engine
coolant reservoir (depending upon application).
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.

• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.

• Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or below 40% will

decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you must replace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.

Maintenance and Specifications

206

Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill level” or within the
“cold fill range” as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).

Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.

WARNING: To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being
released from the engine cooling system, never remove the
reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. Failure to
follow this warning may result in damage to the engine’s cooling
system and possible severe personal injury.

If you must remove the coolant cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury:

1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly

turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.

3. Step back while the pressure releases.

4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the

cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.

Recycled engine coolant

Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Mazda
specification. Use of a recycled engine coolant which does not meet
Mazda specifications may harm engine and cooling system components.

Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.

Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.

Coolant refill capacity

To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Refill capacities in this chapter.

Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this chapter.

Severe climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36° C [–34° F]):

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207

• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration

above 50%.

• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will

decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the

coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• NEVER mix different colors or types of engine coolant. Always

verify the correct coolant type before adding.

• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration

above 40%.

• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will

decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will

decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the

coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS

Important safety precautions

WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.

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208

WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.

WARNING: If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the
fuel system or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision,
which may result in possible personal injury.

WARNING: Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.

WARNING: Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials

and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before

fueling.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.

• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind

can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.

• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,

remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.

• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is

splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated

Maintenance and Specifications

209

clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.

• Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of

disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If
fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.

• FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85 percent ethanol. Any fuel

blends containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as
“Fuel Ethanol ”. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check your VIN
or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When checking the
VIN look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If your vehicle
is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a “K.”

Ethanol

Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is used in the making of motor fuels, a
small amount of a bad tasting chemical is added to discourage beverage
use. The resulting fuel is called E

100 meaning 100% pure ethanol

diluted by 2% to 5% gasoline as the “denaturant.”

Fuel ethanol (summer blend

) is then made by adding 15% more

unleaded gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a higher octane rating than
unleaded regular gasoline and other properties which allow engine
designs with greater efficiency and power.

Winter blends may contain up to 30% (E70)unleaded gasoline (25% plus
the denaturant) to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold weather
may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to Cold
Weather Starting in the Driving chapter.

Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.

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210

WARNING: Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your
vehicle is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles
procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be
invalidated.

WARNING: When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never
smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under
certain conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling
excess fumes.

WARNING: The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is
pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.

Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
• Place approved fuel container on

the ground.

• DO NOT fill a fuel container while

it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area/pickup bed).

• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while

filling.

• DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill

position.

Fuel Filler Cap

Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.

When fueling your vehicle:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it

stops.

3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.

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211

4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the

filler pipe.

5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.

“Check Fuel Cap” illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON
position to ensure your bulb is working. When this light turns on, check
the fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the Check Fuel
Cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon warning. When the
fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a
period of normal driving. It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.

If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The warranty may be void
for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the correct
genuine Mazda fuel filler cap is not used.

Choosing the right fuel

Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.

If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and (E85) ETHANOL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.

Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.

Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.

Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.

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212

Octane recommendations

Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your authorized Mazda dealership to prevent any
engine damage.

Unleaded Gasoline engines

Your vehicle is designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline with an
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as “Regular” that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in
high altitude areas.

FFV engine (if equipped)

Your vehicle is designed to use (E85) Fuel Ethanol, “Regular” unleaded
gasoline or any percentage of the two fuels combined.

U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to have a small, square, orange and black label with the
common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.

Fuel quality

Many of the world’s automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display the Auto Makers’ Choice

y logo.

It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.

(R+M)/2 METHOD

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213

Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction - part 13