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Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
• Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
• Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
• Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel near the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch
that is located under the front
center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it with the prop rod.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
189
Page 221 of 256

Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range.
Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine, check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your Mazda dealer immediately. WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
MAX
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221
Page 240 of 256

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 or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains 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 Premium
Motor Oil2.3L engine 3.8L (4.0
quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5 quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Premium
Motor Oil 4.0L V6 engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid DOT 3 Brake FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
6
Power steering
fluidMazda
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
240
Page 253 of 256

Remote entry system ...........55–56arming and disarming the
anti-theft system ......................57
illuminated entry ......................59
locking/unlocking doors .....55–56
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................58
replacing the batteries .............57
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............76
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................65, 67–68, 70
Safety defects, reporting ..........173
Safety restraints ..............65, 67–70 belt minder ...............................73
extension assembly ..................72
for adults .............................67–68
for children .........................89–90
lap belt ......................................70
safety belt maintenance ...........76
warning light and chime ..........72
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................101
Safety restraints - tether
anchors ........................................98
Safety seats for children ............93
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............65
Seats ............................................63 child safety seats ......................93
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................60
Servicing your vehicle ..............188
Setting the clock AM/FM stereo ...........................18
AM/FM stereo CD .....................20 AM/FM stereo tape/CD/MP3 ....23
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................26
Snowplowing .................................7
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...................................149–150
Spark plugs, specifications .......245
Special notice ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................243–244
Speed control ..............................49
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......109
Starting your vehicle .......105–106, 108
jump starting ..........................157
Steering wheel tilting .........................................44
Stereo Single CD ..................................19
T
Tether anchors ............................98
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
Tires ...........................149, 227–228 changing ..........149–150, 153, 156
snow tires and chains ............239
tire grades ...............................228
treadwear ................................228
Towing .......................................128 recreational towing .................135
trailer towing ..........................128
wrecker ....................................162
Traction-lok rear axle ...............113
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
253
Page:
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