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-handturn signal Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn signal Circuit 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:
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To 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 transmission section in this
chapter.
• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in theInstrument cluster
chapter.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do 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.
Driving
136
INTRODUCTION
Be extremely careful to prevent injury to yourself and others and
damage to your vehicle when using this manual for inspection and
maintenance.
If you’re unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you
to have a reliable and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for
your vehicle. Without this expertise and the parts that have been
designed and made especially for your Mazda, inadequate, incomplete,
and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This could lead to
vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been
performed as prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as
opposed to defective materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will
not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda’s original
equipment may perform maintenance.But we recommend that it
always be done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer using genuine
Mazda parts.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Schedule I — Normal Driving Conditions/Emission Control
Systems
Follow Schedule I if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the
following conditions apply. If any do apply follow Schedule II.
• Repeated short-distance driving.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Towing a trailer.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation.
• High-speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle.
• Off-road operation.
NOTE: After the described period, continue to follow the described
maintenance at the recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Specifications
182
CHART SYMBOLS
I: Inspect, and if necessary correct, clean or replace
A: Adjust
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
Normal driving service intervals – perform at the months or distances
shown, whichever occurs first.
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 (x 1000 km) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
ENGINE
Engine oil — every 6 months R RRRRRRRRRR R
Oil filter — every 6 months R RRRRRRRRRR R
PCV valve
AIR CLEANER
Air cleaner filter R R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs *4
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine Coolant (green) Replace at first 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months, after that, every 30,000 miles(48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Coolant (yellow) Replace at first 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 60 months; after that, every 50,000 miles(80,000 km) or 36 months
Coolant condition and protection,
hoses and clamps — annually —prior
to cold weather every 12 months III I
CHASSIS AND BODY
Wheel lug nut torque *1 I IIIIIIIIII I
Inspect tires for wear and rotate
(X = recommended interval for
optimal tire life) IXIXXIXXIXX I
Clutch reservoir fluid level I IIIII
Maintenance and Specifications
183
SCHEDULE II — SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If your driving habitsFREQUENTLYinclude one or more of the
following conditions:
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) when outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
• Towing a trailer, or carrying maximum loads.
• Operating in severe dust conditions.
• Operating during hot weatherin stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling, such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service.
• High speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).
• Off-road operation
Change ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER every 3 months or 3,000 miles
(4,800 km) whichever occurs first.
NOTE: Idling the engine for extended periods will accumulate more
hours of use on your vehicle than is actually indicated by the mileage
odometer. Consequently, the odometer reading can be often misleading
when determining the right time to change your engine oil and filter. If
you are using your vehicle in a manner which allows it to remain
stationary while the engine is running for long periods (door-to-door
delivery, taxi, police, power/utility company trucks, or similar duty), then
Mazda recommends you increase the frequency of oil and filter changes
to an interval equivalent to 200 ENGINE HOURS or use. Since most
vehicles are not equipped with hour-meters, it may be necessary for you
to approximate your idle time and plan oil/filter changes accordingly.
Maintenance and Specifications
187
Special Operating
Conditions
Replace Engine Oil and Filter
Inspect Brake System
Replace Fuel Filter
Change Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replace Spark Plugs
Replace Engine Air Filter
Change Manual Transmission Fluid
Inspect and Lubricate U-Joints
Lubricate Front Wheel Bearing (4x2)
Change Transfer Case Fluid (4x4)
Suggested Maintenance
Interval3,000
miles or
3 months 5,000
miles 15,000
miles 30,000
miles 60,000
miles As
required As
required As
required 30,000
miles 60,000
miles
Towing a trailer or
using a camper or
car top carrier XXXX
Extensive idling or
low-speed driving
for long distances
as in heavy
commercial use
such as delivery,
taxi or patrol car X XXXX XX
Operating in dusty
conditions such as
unpaved or dusty
roads XXX X
Off road operation X X X
For specific recommendations see your authorized Mazda dealer or
qualified service professional.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable
operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
Maintenance and Specifications
188
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
4.5° C (40° F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection.
Failure to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired windshield vision and increase
the risk of injury or accident.
Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.
WASHERFLUIDONLY
RADIATOR
COOLANT ONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
195
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If possible, try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the
battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
working near the battery, always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
Maintenance and Specifications
202
•2.3L engine
• 3.0L & 4.0L engines
When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
• The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
• Confirm the color and type of engine coolant before adding, to avoid
mixing incompatible products.
• Refer to the service maintenance section for service interval
schedules.
• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
RADIATOR COOLANT ONLY
2003 Mazda B Series (mbs)
New Owners Guide own2002 (own2002)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
205