1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain intothe oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
• 2.3L I4 engine
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
196
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process: 1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
Maintenance and Specifications
203
1. Clean the reservoir cap beforeremoval to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine
compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
Maintenance and Specifications
223
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
Maintenance and Specifications
225
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemMazda part name or equivalent
Front axle (4X4) SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
Rear axle SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle
Lubricant
1
Brake fluid and clutch fluid (if
equipped)High Performance DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake Fluid
Door weather strips Silicone Lubricant
Engine coolant Mazda Premium Engine Coolant
3
Engine oil 2.3L I4 and 3.0L V6
engines SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil
Engine oil 4.0L V6 engines SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil
Hinges, door checks, latches,
striker plates, fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracks Multi-Purpose Grease
Transmission /steering/parking
brake linkages and pivots, brake
and clutch pedal shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft spline
(manual transmission). Premium Long-Life Grease
Power steering fluid, transfer case
fluid (4X4) and transmission fluid
(manual) MERCON
AT F
Automatic transmission (5R44E
and 5R55E) MERCONVATF
2
Windshield washer fluid
Ultra-clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate
1Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier meeting Mazda
specifications for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles. If submerged in
water, the rear axle lubricant should be changed.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
Maintenance and Specifications
235
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................115
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................81and child safety seats ..............84
description ................................81
disposal ......................................87
driver air bag ............................85
indicator light ...........................87
operation ...................................85
passenger air bag .....................85
passenger deactivation switch...88
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................204
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................115–116
Audio system 6-CD in dash .............................24
AM/FM .......................................19
MACH MP3 ...............................27
Single CD ..................................21
Audio system
(see Radio) ................19, 21, 24, 27
Automatic dimming rear
view mirror ..................................50
Automatic transmission ............119 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................120
fluid, adding ............................223
fluid, checking ........................223
fluid, refill capacities ..............231
fluid, specification ..................236
Auxiliary power point .................49
Axle lubricant specifications ..235–236
refill capacities ........................231
traction lok ..............................118 B
Battery .......................................202
acid, treating emergencies .....202
jumping a disabled battery ....159
maintenance-free ....................202
servicing ..................................202
Bed extender ..............................57
BeltMinder ...................................76
Brakes ........................................115 anti-lock ...........................115–116
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............116
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............231
fluid, specifications .........235–236
lubricant specifications ..235–236
parking ....................................116
shift interlock ..........................119
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................130
Capacities for refilling fluids ....231
Cassette tape player .............21, 24
CD-single premium ...............19, 27
Cell phone warning ...................239
Certification Label ....................238
Changing a tire .........................151
Child safety restraints ................94 child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................97 attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ................................99
LATCH .....................................106
2003 Mazda B Series (mbs)
New Owners Guide own2002 (own2002)
USA English (fus)
Index
240
Instrument panelcleaning ...................................180
cluster ................................12, 180
lighting up panel and interior...39
location of components ............12
J
Jack ............................................151 positioning ...............................151
storage .............................151–154
Jump-starting your vehicle ......159
K
Keyless remote entry system -
see Remote entry system ...........59
Keys positions of the ignition .........110
L
Lamps bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
cargo lamps ...............................39
courtesy .....................................40
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps .....................40–41
replacing bulbs . 40–41, 43, 45–46
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................40
LATCH anchors .........................106
Lights, warning and indicator ....12 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........116 Limited slip axle
(see Traction-Lok) ....................118
Load limits .................................129
GAWR ......................................129
GVWR ......................................129
trailer towing ..........................129
Loading instructions .................128
Lubricant specifications ...235–236
Lumbar support, seats ...............68
M
Manual transmission .................122 fluid capacities ........................231
lubricant specifications ..........236
reverse .....................................123
Mirrors automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................50
cleaning ...................................179
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Motorcraft parts ........................214
O
Octane rating ............................213
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................195
Overdrive .....................................56
Overheating ...............................150
P
Parking brake ............................116
Passive anti-theft system
(PATS) .........................................64
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................144
Power door locks ........................59
2003 Mazda B Series (mbs)
New Owners Guide own2002 (own2002)
USA English (fus)
Index
243