Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Instruction

has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

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.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.

ABS

BRAKE

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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.

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.

BRAKE

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ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM

WARNING:

Vehicle modifications involving braking system,

aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire

construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the electronic stability control (ESC) system. In addition, installing
any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
ESCl system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as
possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the ESC sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the ESC system could lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.

WARNING:

Remember that even advanced technology cannot

defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a

vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability control (ESC) system is an
indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to
grip the road; this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the
vehicle, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. If your ESC system activates,
SLOW DOWN.

WARNING:

If a failure has been detected within the electronic

stability control (ESC) system, the “sliding car” icon

will

illuminate steadily. If the “sliding car” icon

still illuminates steadily,

have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Operating your vehicle with ESC disabled could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.

The electronic stability control (ESC) system provides the following
stability enhancement features for certain driving situations:
• Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid

drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.

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• Dynamic stability control (DSC), which functions to help avoid skids

or lateral slides

• Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威), which functions to help avoid a

vehicle roll-over.

The ESC system automatically enables each time the engine is started.
All features of the ESC system (TCS, DSC, and RSC

威) are active and

monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only
intervene if the driving situation requires it.

The ESC system includes an
electronic stability control button on
the instrument panel, the sliding
car” icon

and the “sliding car off”

icon

in the instrument cluster.

Both the “sliding car” icon
“sliding car off” icon

in the instrument cluster will illuminate

temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The
“sliding car” icon

may illuminate (flash) during certain driving

situation which cause the ESC system to operate. If the “sliding car”
icon

illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized

dealer immediately.

When ESC performs a normal system self-check, some drivers may
notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.

When an event occurs that activates ESC you may experience the
following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The “sliding car”

indicator light will flash.

• A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.

• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control System (TCS)

Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

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Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.

During traction control events the “sliding car” icon

in the instrument

cluster will flash.

If the traction control system is activated excessively in a short period of
time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily disabled
to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, traction control will
use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control the wheels
from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will
regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC

威, and DSC are not affected by

this condition and will continue to function during the cool-down period.

The engine traction control and brake traction control systems may be
deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching Off Electronic
Stability Control section following.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Dynamic stability control (DSC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. DSC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.

During DSC events the “sliding car” icon

in the instrument cluster

will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the DSC system, which
include but are not limited to:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer

towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter).

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The DSC system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the
Switching Off Electronic Stability Control section following.

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威)

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威) may help to maintain roll stability of the

vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC

威 operates by detecting the

vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.

During an event that activates the RSC

威 the “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSC

威 system, which

include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The RSC

威 system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the

Switching Off Electronic Stability Control section following.

Switching Off Electronic Stability Control

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the ESC system may be
beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.

To switch off the ESC system press
the ESC button. Full features of the
ESC system can be restored by
pressing the ESC button again or by
turning off and restarting the
engine.

If you switch off the ESC system,
the “sliding car off” icon

will

illuminate steadily. Pressing the ESC
button again will turn off the
“sliding car off” icon.

In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, DSC and RSC

威 are

disabled.

OFF

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Electronic Stability Control Features

Button
functions

icon

status

RSC

威

DSC

TCS

Default at
start-up

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Button pressed
momentarily

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Disabled

Button pressed
and held more
than 5 seconds
(speed under
35 mph
[56 km/h])

Flashes

then

illuminated

solid

Disabled

Button pressed
and held less
than 5 seconds
(speed over
35 mph
[56 km/h])

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Button pressed
again after
deactivation

Not

illuminated

Enabled

Transfer case in
4L (4WD Low)

Illuminated

solid

Disabled

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 help 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.

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.

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• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering

pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on

the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• 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

PREPARING TO DRIVE

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.

Utility vehicles and trucks have 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 vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks 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 or 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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WARNING:

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,

may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload

your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK

The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, 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.

If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):

1. Apply the parking brake, and

turn the ignition to the on
position.

2. Remove the lower trim panel

under the steering column.
Make sure not disturb the wires
on the electrical connector.

3. Locate the BSI solenoid

underneath the steering column.

4. With your hand, pull back on

the solenoid, and at the same
time, shift the transmission into
N (Neutral).

5. Start the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible if this procedure is used.

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WARNING:

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

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 dealer.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

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

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy.
Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need
to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset
your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected.
The adaptive transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to
relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take
several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning
process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process,
normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.

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.

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To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Press the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
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.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

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• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

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

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

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

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

off.

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.

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

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

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

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To start the vehicle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is

fully set.

2. Press and hold the clutch pedal

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

3. Start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and move

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

5. Release the parking brake, then

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

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

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

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

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

Upshift and downshift according to the following charts:

Upshifts

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2WD and 4H

1 -2

10 mph (16 km/h)

4 mph (6 km/h)

2 - 3

19 mph (26 km/h)

8 mph (10 km/h)

3 - 4

28 mph (43 km/h)

12 mph (16 km/h)

4 - 5 (Overdrive)

40 mph (68 km/h)

16 mph (26 km/h)

Maximum downshift speeds

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)

2WD and 4H

5 (Overdrive) - 4

55 mph (88 km/h)

22 mph (34 km/h)

4 - 3

45 mph (72 km/h)

18 mph (27 km/h)

3 - 2

35 mph (56 km/h)

14 mph (21 km/h)

2 - 1

20 mph (32 km/h)

8 mph (11 km/h)

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is

at a complete stop before you
shift into R (Reverse). Failure
to do so may damage the
transmission.

2. Move the gearshift lever into the

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

Note:

The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving

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

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).

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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 between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

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

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

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

WARNING:

For important information regarding safe operation

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

this chapter.

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

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

Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for

proper operation.

PUSH

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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

2H (2WD High)

- Power to the

rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.

4H (4WD High)

- Used for extra

traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not
intended for use on dry pavement.

4L (4WD Low)

- Uses extra

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

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

speed.

Note:

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

Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)

Note:

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

This is normal and should be no reason for concern.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

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

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

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

4x4

LOW

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Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Instruction - part 11