2006 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES tow

4x4 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer weight
- lb. (kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,320 (1,052) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 9,500 (4,309) 5,740 (2,603) 50 (4.64)
Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4
4.0L All 9,500 (4,309) 5,600 (2,540) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300 meters)
of elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long sustained
grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient temperatures exceed
100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) in both
cases.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/towearlier 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).
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
The certification label is found on the driver’s door latch pillar.
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
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Hitches
For towing trailers up to 2,000 lb. (907 kg), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for
trailers over 2,000 lb. (907 kg).
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
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Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 3/4 inch (19 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2,000 lb. (907 kg) trailer weight and 200 lb. (91 kg) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right-hand
turn signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
1
2
34
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Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay controlled circuit
activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit
returns to battery’s negative
ground.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in the
Drivingchapter.)
•
Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourservice maintenance section
for more information.
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Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), 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 6 inches (15 cm) 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.
2006 B-Series(mbs)
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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.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Note:4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
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 55 mph (88 km/h).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•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 transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
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.
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For 4x4 vehicles with an automatic transmission, Mazda recommends
that a Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized
dealer if a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
must be exceeded.
For 4x2 vehicles with an automatic transmission, if a distance of 50 miles
(80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the rear driveshaft. Mazda recommends the driveshaft be
removed/installed only by a qualified technician at an authorized dealer.
See your authorized dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
For more information on towing, see theMazda RV & Trailer Towing
Guide,available from your authorized dealer.
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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Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•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.
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Driving
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