2003 MAZDA MODEL B4000 ESP

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 through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
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
127

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.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
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 the Preparing to drive your vehicle
section in this chapter.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles 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 can 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.
Driving
128

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE (U.S.A.)
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. We are here to
serve you. All Authorized Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the
tools to keep your Mazda vehicle in top condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement
regarding the service of your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer
personnel, we recommend that you take the following steps:
STEP 1: Contact Your Mazda Dealer
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest
and best way to address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved
by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS, SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS
MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL MANAGER of the
dealership or the OWNER.
STEP 2: Call the Mazda National Customer Assistance Center
If for any reason you feel the need for further assistance after contacting
your dealership management, call Mazda North American Operations’
Customer Assistance Center toll-free at:1 (800) 222–5500
In order to serve you efficiently and effectively, please help us by
providing the following information: 1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (17 digits, noted on your registration or title or located on the upper driver’s side corner of the dash)
4. Purchase date and current mileage
5. Your dealer’s name and location
6. Your question(s)
If you would like to write a letter, please address it to the following,
Attn: Customer Assistance.
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618–2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623–9734
This way, we can be sure to respond to you as efficiently as possible.
That is our goal.
If you live outside the U.S.A., please contact your nearest Mazda
Distributor.
Customer Assistance
165

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE (PUERTO RICO)
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. That is why all
Authorized Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the tools to keep
your Mazda vehicle in top condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement
regarding the service of your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer
personnel, we recommend that you take the following steps:
STEP 1
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest
and best way to address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved
by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS, SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS
MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL MANAGER of the
dealership or the OWNER.
STEP 2
If, after following STEP 1, you feel the need for further assistance, please
contact your area’s Mazda representative (Indicated on the next page).
Please help us by providing the following information:1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (17 digits, noted on your registration or title or located on the upper driver’s side corner of the dash)
4. Purchase date and current mileage
5. Your dealer’s name and location
6. Your question(s)
If you would like to write a letter, please address it to the following,
Attn: Customer Assistance
Plaza Motors Corp.
Mazda de Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 362722
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00936–2722
Tel: (787) 788–9300
This way, we can be sure to respond to you as efficiently as possible.
That is our goal.
If you live outside the U.S.A., please contact your nearest Mazda
Distributor.
Customer Assistance
169

AMERICAN SAMOA
Polynesia Motors, Inc.
P.O. Box 1120, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
TEL: (684) 699–1854
ADD-ON NON-GENUINE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Non-genuine parts and accessories for Mazda vehicles can be found in
stores. These may fit your vehicle, but they are not approved by the
manufacturer for use with Mazda vehicles. When you install non-genuine
parts or accessories, they could affect your vehicle’s performance or
safety system; the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover this. Before you
install any non-genuine parts or accessories, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.WARNING: Installation of Non-Genuine Parts or Accessories:
Installation of non-genuine parts or accessories could be
dangerous. Improperly designed parts or accessories could
seriously affect your vehicle’s performance or safety system.
This could cause you to have an accident or increase your
chances of injuries in an accident. Always consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer before you install non-genuine parts or
accessories.
WARNING: Add-On Electrical and Electronic Equipment:
Incorrectly choosing or installing improper add-on equipment or
choosing an improper installer could be dangerous. Essential
systems could be damaged, causing engine stalling, air-bag
(SRS) activation, ABS inactivation, or a fire in the vehicle. Be
very careful in choosing and installing add-on electrical
equipments, such as mobile telephones, two-way radios, stereo
systems, and car alarm systems.
Mazda assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may
result from the installation of add-on non-genuine parts or accessories.
WARRANTIES FOR YOUR MAZDA
• New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• Safety Restraint System Limited Warranty
• Anti-perforation Limited Warranty
• Federal Emission Control Warranty
– Emission Defect Warranty
– Emission Performance Warranty
Customer Assistance
171

(Note)
If you live in the U.S.A., all correspondence to:
Mazda North American Operations
7755, Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, California 92618–2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623–9734
Customer Assistance Center
or toll free at 1 (800) 222–5500
If you live outside of the U.S.A., please contact the nearest Mazda
Distributor. (See theMazda Importers/Distributors section of this
manual).
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
Factory-authorized Mazda service publication are available for owners
who wish to do some of their own maintenance and repair.
When requesting any of our publications through an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, refer to the chart below.
If they don’t have what you need in stock, they can order it for you.
PUBLICATION ORDER NUMBER PUBLICATION DESCRIPTION
9999 95 022B 03 2003 WORKSHOP MANUAL
9999 95 020G 03 2003 WIRING DIAGRAM 9999 95 023C 03 2003 OWNER’S MANUAL
WORKSHOP MANUAL:
Covers recommended maintenance and repair procedures of the drive
train, body and chassis.
WIRING DIAGRAM:
Provides electrical schematics as well as component location for the
entire electrical system.
OWNER’S MANUAL:
This booklet contains information regarding the proper care and
operation of your vehicle. This is not a technician’s manual.
Please note that your Authorized Mazda Dealership has trained
personnel and special service tools to correctly and safely
maintain Mazda vehicles.
Customer Assistance
173

WASHING YOUR VEHICLE
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the
vehicle on a regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt
are difficult to remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird
droppings should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible.
Deposits not removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper
blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades,
windshield and rear window.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
WAXING YOUR VEHICLE
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which
appear coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial
car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and
windshield as described in Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield
and rear window.
Cleaning
176

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