Vehicle loading
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
• Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
• GVWR (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.
• GAWR (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.
• GCW (Gross Combined Weight): The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
• Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
• Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
• Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
NOTE: Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer
when figuring the total weight.
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129
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label, this could affect vehicle handling and
cause an accident.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than
the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver’s door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of occupants or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. WARNING: Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, and/or personal injury.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for
trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
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130
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.
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Maximum GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
Regular Cab
2.3L 2,177 (4,800) 744 (1,640) Equal to frontal area of vehicle
3.0L Dual Sport 2,722 (6,000) 1,161 (2,560) 4.64 (50) Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4
3.0L Dual Sport 2,722 (6,000) 1,070 (2,360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L Dual Sport 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 see Vehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load earlier 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).
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131
Temporary spare tire information
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that may be
different in size (smaller diameter and narrower width) than other tires
on your vehicle. If this is the case, your spare tire is considered
“temporary” and the spare wheel will be labeled as such. Replace this
tire with a tire of the same size, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as the other road tires as soon as possible.
It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in 4WD modes with
a “temporary” (i.e. dissimilar size) spare. If 4WD operation is necessary,
do not operate above speeds of 16 km/h (10 mph) or for distances above
80 km (50 miles).
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tire do not:
• exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) or drive further than 3,200 km
(2,000 miles) total under any circumstances
• load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
• tow a trailer
• use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
Use of a temporary spare tire at any one wheel location can lead to
impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking performance
• Comfort and noise
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs
• Winter driving capability
Conventional spare tire information
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can use it as a spare or a
regular tire. The spare is identical to the other tires on your vehicle,
although the wheel may not match.
2003 Mazda B Series (mbs)
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USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
152
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.WARNING: When replacing full size tires, never mix radial
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are
listed on the Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are
the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only
the tire combinations recommended on the label. If you do not
follow these precautions, your vehicle handling may be affected
which can lead to loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or
personal injury.
WARNING: Make sure that all replacement tires are of the
same size, type, load=carrying capacity and tread (e.g., “All
Terrain”, etc.), as originally offered by Mazda. Failure to do so
can result in tire failure and a serious accident.
WARNING: Do not replace your tires with “high performance”
tires or larger size tires.
WARNING: Failure to follow these precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS WARNING: Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds
for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
Maintenance and Specifications
230
NOTE:Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change) Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil2.3L engine 3.8L
(4.0 quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5 quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil 4.0L V6 engine 4.7L
(5.0 quarts)
Maintenance and Specifications
231
recommendations ...................200
refill capacities ........................231
specifications ..................235–236
Exhaust fumes ..........................114
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....208
Fluid capacities .........................231
Foglamps .....................................38
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......124 driving off road .......................126
electronic shift ........................125
indicator light .........................124
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................118
Fuel ............................................208 calculating fuel economy .......215
cap ...........................................211
capacity ...................................231
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 .....139
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
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......139
Fuses ..................................140–141
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............211 Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................215
Gauges .........................................16
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................129
calculating ...............................130
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................129 calculating .......................129–130
definition .................................129
driving with a heavy load ......129
location ....................................129
H
Hazard flashers .........................139
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
2003 Mazda B Series (mbs)
New Owners Guide own2002 (own2002)
USA English (fus)
Index
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