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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
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 2,177 (4,800) 744 (1,640) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L Dual
SportAll 2,722 (6,000) 1,161 (2,560) 4.64 (50)
Cab Plus
3.0L Dual
SportAll 2,722 (6,000) 1,070 (2,360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L Dual
SportAll 3,175 (7,000) 1,488 (3,380) 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 seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the loadearlier 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).
Driving
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WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight could result in engine damage,
transmission/axle damage, structural damage, loss of control,
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.
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.
Driving
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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 your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
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.
1
2
34
Driving
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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 signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
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:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
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.
Driving
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4X2 AND 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSIONS
Before you have your vehicle towed:
²Release the parking brake.
²Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
²The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the after market manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
4X2 AND 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSIONS
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions or 4x4 vehicles with manual
transfer cases and automatic transmissions, follow these guidelines for
recreational towing:
²Release the parking brake.
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
²Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Mazda recommends
the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See
your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your pickup is not recommended for slide±in camper bodies.
Driving
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The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 5A Power Mirror Switch
2 10A Daytime Running Lights (DRL),
Back-up Lamps, Transmission,
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Switch, Blower Motor Relay
3 7.5A Right Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
4 Ð Not Used
5 15A 4x4 Control Module
6 Ð Not Used
7 7.5A Left Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
8 Ð Not Used
9 7.5A Brake Pedal Position Switch
1 234
5 678
9 101112
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
25 26
29 30
35 36
313233
34
27 28
Roadside Emergencies
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
10 7.5A Speed Control Servo/Amplifier
Assembly, Generic Electronic
Module (GEM), Shift Lock
Actuator, Turn Signals
11 7.5A Instrument Cluster, 4x4, Main
Light Switch, Central Security
Module (CSM)
12 Ð Not Used
13 20A Brake Pedal Position Switch
14 10A or Not Used 10A: If equipped with Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) Control
Module
15 Ð Not Used
16 30A Windshield Wiper Motor, Wiper
Hi-Lo Relay, Wiper Run/Park
Relay
17 20A Cigar Lighter, Data Link
Connector (DLC)
18 Ð Not Used
19 25A PCM Power Diode, Ignition, PATS
20 7.5A Generic Electronic Module
(GEM), Radio
21 15A Flasher (Hazard)
22 20A Auxiliary Power Socket
23 Ð Not Used
24 7.5A Clutch Pedal Position (CPP)
switch, Starter Interrupt Relay
25 Ð Not Used
Roadside Emergencies
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CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Roadside Emergencies
194