WARNING: Always wear the safety belt. Do not be tempted to
sit on top of the belt to fool police or to defeat the warning
system. The safety belt and safety belt warning system are
there to protect your life.
One time disable
Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an
ignition ON cycle, the BeltMinder will be disabled for that ignition cycle
only.
Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature
Read steps1-9thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The BeltMinder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the
following procedure:
Before following the procedure, ensure that the following conditions are
met:
• The parking brake is set.
• The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission).
• The ignition switch is in the OFF position.
• All vehicle doors are closed.
• The driver’s safety belt is unbuckled.
• The parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped
with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure).
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, do not
deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the
vehicle.
BeltMinder activation and deactivation procedure 1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE.)
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1–2 minutes.)
• Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will
have to be repeated.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
75
If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission: 1. Make sure the parking brake is set.
2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.
3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• front wheels are turned
• front wheel is against the curb
1
2
34
5
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
107
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.BRAKE
RELEASE
!
BRAKE
BRAKE
RELEASE
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
112
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
• Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
• Depress the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position.
1 35
24 R
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
117
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
• If shifting into 4X4 LOW, wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turn onindicating the shift is complete.
• If shifting out of 4X4 LOW, wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turn offindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the “Four Wheeling” supplement in
your owner’s portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
121
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 Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.) Maximum
trailer
weight - kg (lbs.) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 2,177 (4,800) 717 (1,580) Equal to frontal areaof vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2,722 (6,000) 1,207 (2,660) 4.64 (50)
3.0L Dual Sport 4.10 2,722 (6,000) 1,143 (2,520) 4.64 (50)
Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4
2.3L All 2,177 (4,800) 644 (1,420) Equal to frontal areaof vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2,722 (6,000) 1,125 (2,480) 4.64 (50)
3.0L Dual Sport 4.10 2,722 (6,000) 1,089 (2,400) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3,175 (7,000) 1,542 (3,400) 4.64 (50)
4.0L Dual Sport All 3,175 (7,000) 1,506 (3,320) 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.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
128
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.) Maximum
trailer
weight - kg (lbs.) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - m
2(ft2)
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 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).
4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.) Maximum
trailer
weight - kg (lbs) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L All 2,722 (6,000) 1,061 (2,340) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3,175 (7,000) 1,479 (3,260) 4.64 (50) Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4
4.0L All 3,175 (7,000) 1,406 (3,100) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1,000
ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 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).
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
129
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
• causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
4x2 equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
• The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
135