2003 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES weight

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 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.
1
2
34
Driving
136

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:
²Turn off the 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.
²To 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 transmissionsection in this
chapter.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
²Do 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
²Practice 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.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To 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).
Driving
137

²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle service maintenance section.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
Maintenance and Specifications
217

driving off road .......................126
electronic shift ........................125
indicator light .........................125
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................118
Fuel ............................................208
calculating fuel economy .......215
cap ...........................................211
capacity ...................................232
choosing the right fuel ...........212
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................218
detergent in fuel .....................214
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................208, 211, 215
filter, specifications ................214
fuel pump shut-off switch .....140
improving fuel economy ........215
octane rating ...................213, 236
quality ......................................213
running out of fuel .................214
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................208
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................208, 212±213
Fuses ..................................141±142
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............211
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................215
Gauges .........................................16
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
calculating ...............................131
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................129
calculating .......................129, 131
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
H
Headlamps ...................................38
aiming ........................................39
bulb specifications ....................40
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
replacing bulbs .........................41
turning on and off ....................38
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........35±36
Hood ..........................................191
I
Ignition ...............................110, 236
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................97
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................219
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................180
cluster ................................12, 180
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................152
positioning ...............................152
storage .............................152±154
Index
242