Mazda B4000 (2002 year). Instruction

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. ACCESSORY, allows the

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

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.

3. OFF, shuts off the engine and

all accessories without locking
the steering wheel. This position
also allows the automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from
the P (Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.

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.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key

position when driving.

5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.

Driving

148

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding
against exhaust fumes

in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your authorized Mazda dealer inspect your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked authorized at an Mazda
dealership. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes at
high engine RPM.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For

more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints chapter.

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

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

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

Driving

149

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

set.

• Push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without

turning the key to 5 (START).

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
• Note: If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

light may not

illuminate.

Starting the engine

Note: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

RPMx1000

ABS

BRAKE

CHECK
ENGINE

CHECK

FUEL

CAP

R N D 2 1

THEFT

SPEED
CONT

4WD
HIGH

4WD
LOW

O/D
OFF

MPH

60 70

km/h

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

100

120

140

160

180

DOOR
AJAR

CHECK

GAGE

Driving

150

1. Turn the key to 5 (START)

without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will
return to 4 (ON).

2. If the temperature is above –12°

C (10° F) and the engine does
not start within five seconds on
the first try, turn the key to
OFF, wait 10 seconds and try
again. If the engine does not
start in two attempts, press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold. Turn the key to the START position.

3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not

start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the
key to START position.

4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator

pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.

5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake, shift into gear and

drive.

Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)

As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade (E

85) ethanol (same as with unleaded

gasoline). If summer grade (E

85) ethanol is used in cold weather

conditions, you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or
hesitation until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor
for the availability of winter grade (E

85) ethanol.

High-quality blends of winter grade (E

85) ethanol will produce

satisfactory cold weather starting and driving results. However, fuel
composition varies, and sub-optimal winter grade blends could produce
increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation at temperatures below
–18 degrees C (0 degrees F). If you experience this condition you may
find that a different brand of winter grade (E

85) (if available in your

area) improves the performance of your vehicle.

Cold starting performance can also be improved with the use of an
engine block heater. The engine block heater is available as a Mazda
option and can also be obtained from your Mazda dealer. Consult the
engine block heater section for proper use of the engine block heater.

Driving

151

If you should experience cold weather starting problems on (E

85)

ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of (E

85) ethanol nor an

engine block heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your
tank will improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on (E

85) ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture

of the two.

If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions

1. Press the accelerator pedal 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor and hold.

2. Turn the key to START position.

3. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator

pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.

4. If the engine still fails to start, repeat steps one through three.

5. After the engine starts, hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the

gearshift lever in gear and release the parking brake. Slowly release
the brake pedal and drive away in a normal manner.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23° C
(-10° F) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

Driving

152

WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized Mazda dealer inspect and fix
your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust
fumes. These fumes are harmful and result in accident or death.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.
• the sound of the exhaust system changes.
• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

Note: Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.

BRAKES

Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the service maintenance
section for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent

Driving

153

squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized Mazda
dealership.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

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

NOTE: The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.

A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership.

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

WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.

Driving

154

Using four wheel ABS

• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is

required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.

NOTE: We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

ABS warning lamp

ABS

The

ABS

warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates

when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately by an authorized Mazda dealership.)

Parking brake

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

BRAKE

BRAKE

RELEASE

Driving

155

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Pull the release lever to release the
brake.

Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.

STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.

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

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

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

below the MIN mark on the reservoir.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

BRAKE

BRAKE

RELEASE

Driving

156

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components

TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)

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

Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.

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 seat
belt.

Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

Driving

157

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 vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

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.

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

Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your 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).

Driving

158

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.

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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.

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 automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using
an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase
durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It
is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take
several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to
properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and
torque, the longer it may take to adapt, but the more complete the
process will be.

Driving

159

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.

Understanding gearshift positions

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)

To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).

Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.

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.

Driving

160

(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.

The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.

Drive – Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission
control switch on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift in
the

(Overdrive) position. The TCIL will illuminate on the instrument

cluster. Transmission operates in gears one through four. Drive (O/D
OFF) provides more engine braking than

(Overdrive) and is useful

whenever driving conditions (i.e., city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the
transmission to excessively shift between

(Overdrive) and other

gears. Deactivate

(Overdrive) when:

• driving with a heavy load.
• towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
• additional engine braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer to

Driving while you tow in the Trailer Towing section.

To return to

(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control

switch. The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.

Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal

(Overdrive) mode.

2 (Second)

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

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

Driving

161

1 (First)

Use 1 (First) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at higher speeds causes the transmission
to shift to a lower gear and will shift to 1 (First) after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper vehicle speed.

Forced Downshifts

To gain acceleration in

(Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) when

passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate gear: fourth, third, second
or first gear.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

USING THE CLUTCH

Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission have a starter interlock
that prevents starting the engine
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a
manual transmission:

1. Hold down the brake pedal.

2. Depress the clutch pedal.

3. Put the gearshift lever in N

(Neutral).

4. Start the engine and let it idle for a few seconds.

• Put the gearshift lever in 1 (First) or R (Reverse).

5. Release the clutch slowly while pressing gradually down on the

accelerator pedal.

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Do not use

the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions may reduce clutch life.

Driving

162

Mazda B4000 (2002 year). Instruction - part 10