STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components
TRACTION-LOK AXLE/LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety
belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
113
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
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies
137
•If steam is coming from the engine compartment:do not go near
the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position without starting the engine. The radiator cooling
fans will start to cool the engine.
• If neither coolant nor steam is escaping: open the hood and idle
the engine until it cools. If this does not lower the temperature, stop
the engine and let it cool.
5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, look for leaks in the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator and
water pump.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking, stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda dealer.
See Adding coolant in theMaintenance and specifications section. If
you find no problems, the engine is cool and no leaks are obvious,
carefully add coolant as required.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
Note: If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have
the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged
unless repairs are made.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
WARNING: The use of tire sealants is not recommended and
may damage your tires.
Temporary spare tire information (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that may be
different in size (smaller diameter and narrower width) than other tires
on your vehicle. If this is the case, your spare tire is considered
“temporary” and the spare wheel will be labeled as such. Replace this
tire with a tire of the same size, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as the other road tires as soon as possible.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
149
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the air bag system.
• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
• Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, and safety belts:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner,
available at your authorized Mazda dealer.
• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Spot and Stain Remover, available at your authorized Mazda
dealer.
• Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Cleaning
178
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)
Disc brake system III I
Caliper slide rails LLL L
Drum brake system, lines and hoses I II I
Exhaust system for leaks, damage,
looseness II
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 *5R R
Steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension and driveshaft III I
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 800 km (500 miles) 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.
*5 The California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty nor
limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
2004 Mazda B Series
(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
182
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 miles 65 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)
Disc brake system IIII
Caliper slide rails LLLL
Drum brake system, lines
and hoses IIII
Exhaust system for leaks,
damage, looseness II
Manual transmission fluid R
Automatic
transmission
fluid *2
II
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/LI/LI/LI/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
driveshaft IIII
*1 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications
at 800 km (500 miles) 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.
2004 Mazda B Series
(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
184
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.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
187