Mazda B4000 4WD Truck (2004 year). Instruction

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.

4WD system indicator lights

• 4x4 - Momentarily illuminates

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

• 4x4 LOW – Momentarily

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

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)

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

4X4 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 - 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 will not engage while the
vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for concern.
Refer to Shifting to/from 4X4 for proper operation.

Shifting between 2WD and 4X4 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

LOW

4X4

HIGH

2WD

4X4

LOW

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120

Shifting to/from 4X4 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, wait for the 4WD LOW light in the

instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.

• If shifting out of 4X4 LOW, wait for the 4WD LOW 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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121

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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122

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 or transfer case vent
tube (4x4 vehicles only) are submerged may allow water into the
transmission or transfer case and cause internal
transmission/transfer case damage.

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123

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 – with and without a trailer

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:

Base Curb Weight – is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.

Vehicle Curb Weight – is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.

Cargo Weight – includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.

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124

GAW (Gross Axle Weight) – is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the driver’s door or door pillar. The total load on each
axle must never exceed its GAWR.

WARNING: Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle
weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling, performance, engine, transmission and/or structural
damage, serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and
personal injury.

Note: For trailer towing information refer to Trailer Towing found in
this chapter or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your
dealership.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.

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125

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) – is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the driver’s
door or door pillar. The GVW
must never exceed the GVWR.

GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 680 kg
[1,500 lbs]). The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight – is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (68 kg [150 lbs]). Consult your dealership (or
the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for
more detailed information.

Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight – refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples: For a 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) conventional trailer, multiply 5000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 227 to 340 kg
(500 to 750 lbs.). For an 5216 kg (11,500 lbs.) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 782
to 1304 kg (1,725 to 2,875 lbs.)

WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.

WARNING: Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the originals because they may lower

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)

717 (1,580)

Equal to

frontal area

of vehicle

3.0L

3.73

2,722 (6,000)

1,207 (2,660)

4.64 (50)

3.0L Dual

Sport

4.10

2,722 (6,000)

1,143 (2,520)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

2.3L

All

2,177 (4,800)

644 (1,420)

Equal to

frontal area

of vehicle

3.0L

3.73

2,722 (6,000)

1,125 (2,480)

4.64 (50)

3.0L Dual

Sport

4.10

2,722 (6,000)

1,089 (2,400)

4.64 (50)

4.0L

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,542 (3,400)

4.64 (50)

4.0L Dual

Sport

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,506 (3,320)

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.

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128

4x2 w/manual transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

trailer

weight - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area

of trailer -

(ft

)

To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 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)

1,061 (2,340)

4.64 (50)

4.0L

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,479 (3,260)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

4.0L

All

3,175 (7,000)

1,406 (3,100)

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 your vehicle can carry/tow earlier in this
chapter.

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129

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)

1,016 (2,240)

Equal to

frontal area

of vehicle

3.0L

3.73

2,722 (6,000)

1,188 (2,620)

4.64 (50)

3.0L Dual

Sport

4.10

2,722 (6,000)

1,125 (2,480)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

3.0L

3.73

2,722 (6,000)

1,107 (2,440)

4.64 (50)

3.0L Dual

Sport

4.10

2,722 (6,000)

1,070 (2,360)

4.64 (50)

4.0L

All

4,309 (9,500)

2,658 (5,860)

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 your vehicle can carry/tow earlier
in this chapter.

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130

4x4 w/automatic transmission

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

trailer

weight - kg

(lbs.)

Maximum

frontal area

of trailer -

(ft

)

Regular Cab

3.0L

3.73

2,722 (6,000)

1,043 (2,300)

4.64 (50)

4.0L

All

4,309 (9,500)

2,595 (5,720)

4.64 (50)

Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4

4.0L

All

4,309 (9,500)

2,522 (5,560)

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 your vehicle can carry/tow earlier in this
chapter.

WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.

The certification label is found on the driver’s door latch pillar.

WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.

Preparing to tow

Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.

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131

Hitches

For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for
trailers over 907 kg (2,000 lb).

Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.

Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.

Safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.

Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.

Trailer brakes

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.

WARNING: Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.

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132

Using a step bumper

The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2,000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.

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.

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133

Trailer tow connector

Color

Function

Comment

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.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• 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 shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist

in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission section in this
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 service maintenance section 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.

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134

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), 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 15 cm (6 inches) 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 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.

4x2 equipped with a manual transmission:

Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.

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Mazda B4000 4WD Truck (2004 year). Instruction - part 8