Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with an automatic transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
•Release the parking brake.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Do not exceed a distance of 50 miles (80 km).
•Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) vehicle speed.
•Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transfer case components.
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (4x4 only) and rear
driveshafts. Mazda recommends the driveshafts be removed/installed only
by a qualified technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid or transfer case fluid loss, damage to the
driveshaft and internal transmission and transfer case
components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your pickup is not recommended for slide–in camper bodies.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
139
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
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.
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Driving
157
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)
Clutch reservoir fluid level IIIIII
Front wheel bearings (4x2) L
Disc brake system I I I I
Caliper slide rails L L L L
Drum brake system, lines and hoses I I I I
Exhaust system for leaks, damage,
loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding (for
trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if equipped
with grease fittings)LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for damage
and operation)III I
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle
submerged in water
Accessory drive belts
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIII I
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or
at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
*3 At 60,000 miles (96,000 km), the dealer will replace the PCV valve at
no cost, except Canada and California vehicles.
*4 Refer to vehicle emission control information label for spark plug and
gap specifications.
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Maintenance and Specifications
195
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or Miles (km),
whichever comes first)
Months 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
x 1000
miles65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
(x 1000 km) (104) (112) (121) (128) (136) (144) (152) (160) (168) (176) (184) (192)
Clutch reservoir fluid levelIIIIII
Front wheel bearings (4x2) L
Disc brake systemIIII
Caliper slide railsLLLL
Drum brake system, lines
and hosesIIII
Exhaust system for leaks,
damage, loosenessII
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission fluid*2 I I
Exhaust system shielding
(for trapped material)II
Propeller shaft U-joints (if
equipped with grease
fittings)LLLLLL
Parking brake system (for
damage and operation)IIII
Ball joints (4x2) I/L I/L I/L I/L
Transfer case fluid (4x4) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear axle lubricant Does not require replacement unless rear axle submerged in
water
Accessory drive belts I
Fuel filter *5 R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaftIIII
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 500 miles (800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or
at any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened.
*2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) unless submerged in water.
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Maintenance and Specifications
197
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 months5,000
miles15,000
miles30,000
miles60,000
milesAs
requiredAs
requiredAs
required30,000
miles60,000
miles
Towing a trailer or
using a camper or
car top carrierXXXX
Extensive idling or
low-speed driving
for long distances
as in heavy
commercial use
such as delivery,
taxi or patrol carX XXXX XX
Operating in dusty
conditions such as
unpaved or dusty
roadsXXX X
Off road operation X X X
For specific recommendations see your authorized Mazda dealer or
qualified service professional.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
While operating your vehicle
•Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell or exhaust
fumes in the vehicle.
•Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased
steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in the
straight ahead position.
•Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on a smooth, level road.
•When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard to push” brake pedal.
•If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occur,
check the transmission fluid level.
•Check automatic transmission Park function.
•Check parking brake.
At least monthly
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
•Check tires for wear and proper air pressure.
•Check engine oil level.
•Check coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
•Check washer fluid level.
At least twice a year (for example, every spring and fall)
•Check power steering fluid level.
•Check clutch fluid level (if equipped).
•Check and clean body and door drain holes.
•Check and lubricate all hinges, latches, and outside locks.
•Check and lubricate door rubber weather strips.
•Check parking brake for proper operation.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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Maintenance and Specifications
203
3.0L V6 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Power distribution box
8. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
9. Battery
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
11. Air filter assembly
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Maintenance and Specifications
204