2002 MAZDA MODEL B2300 brakes

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 ªFour Wheelingº 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.
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
168

Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
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.
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.
Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider
using one of the lower gears.
Driving
169

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the 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.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer
Driving
170

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 thePreparing to drive your vehicle
section in this chapter.
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 cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating
(GCWR) chart (in theTrailer Towingsection) to find the maximum
GCWR for your type engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a
shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on
the following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle
can tow and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum
trailer weight on the chart.
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.
Driving
172

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 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.
Driving
176

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid
from a clean un-opened
container until the level reaches
MAX. Do not fill above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Mazda specification . Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING: If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
WARNING: Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
262

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................154
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................119±120
and child safety seats ............122
description ..............................120
disposal ....................................126
driver air bag ..........................124
indicator light .............14±15, 125
operation .................................124
passenger air bag ...................124
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................126
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................69
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................154±155
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................16
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 45, 53
Automatic transmission ............158
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................159
fluid, adding ............................263
fluid, checking ........................263
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specification ..................276
Auxiliary power point .................84
Axle
lubricant specifications ..275±276
refill capacities ........................272
traction lok ..............................157
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
charging system warning
light ............................................15
jumping a disabled battery ....201
maintenance-free ....................243
servicing ..................................243
voltage gauge ............................19
Bed extender ..............................95
BeltMinder .................................115
Brakes ........................................153
anti-lock ...........................154±155
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................14, 155
brake warning light ..................13
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specifications .........275±276
lubricant specifications ..275±276
parking ....................................155
shift interlock ..........................158
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................75
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....272
Cargo area shade ........................95
Cargo net .....................................95
CD-6 disc .....................................53
CD-single .....................................25
CD-single premium .....................45
Cell phone warning ...................279
Certification Label ....................278
Changing a tire .........................194
Child safety restraints ..............132
child safety belts ....................132
Child safety seats ......................135
Index
280

warning chime ..........................17
Heating
heater only system ...................68
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................69
Hood ..........................................233
I
Ignition ...............................148, 276
Infant seats (see Safety seats)..135
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................260
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................222
cluster ................................12, 222
lighting up panel and interior...74
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................194
positioning ...............................194
storage .............................194±197
Jump-starting your vehicle ......201
K
Keys ...................................102±103
key in ignition chime ...............17
positions of the ignition .........148
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................76
cargo lamps ...............................74
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................73headlamps .................................73
headlamps, flash to pass ..........74
instrument panel, dimming .....74
interior lamps .....................75±76
replacing bulbs.. 75, 77±78, 80±81
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................75
LATCH anchors .........................145
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
air bag ..................................14±15
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....14, 155
anti-theft ...................................16
brake ..........................................13
charging system ........................15
check coolant ............................13
check engine .............................12
cruise indicator .........................15
door ajar ....................................16
fuel cap light .............................15
high beam .................................16
overdrive off ..............................16
safety belt .................................14
speed control ............................93
turn signal indicator .................16
Limited slip axle
(see Traction Loc) ....................157
Load limits .................................170
GAWR ......................................170
GVWR ......................................170
trailer towing ..........................170
Loading instructions .................172
Lubricant specifications ...275±276
Lumbar support, seats .............106
M
Manual transmission .................162
fluid capacities ........................272
lubricant specifications ..........276
reverse .....................................164
Index
283