2008 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES ESP

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-17°C).
WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical harm.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters.
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
•For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
certified by Underwriter’s laboratory (UL ) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked
Suitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.
Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
•Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord
which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.
•Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not
patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.
•To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine
block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnoffindicating 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.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Trucks and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
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. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
163

Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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.
Note:The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator light may
illuminate depending on how much air is released from your tires and/or
how long you drive the vehicle under these conditions
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
165

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.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 30 mph
[50 km/h]).
Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
a lower gear.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
166

Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
167

If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement
regarding the service of your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Authorized
Mazda Dealer personnel, we recommend that you take the following
steps:
STEP 1
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest
and best way to address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved
by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS, SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS
MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL MANAGER of the
authorized dealer or the OWNER.
STEP 2
If, after following STEP 1, you feel the need for further assistance, please
contact your area’s Mazda representative (Indicated on the next page).
Please help us by providing the following information:
1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (17 digits, noted on your registration
or title or located on the upper driver’s side corner of the dash)
4. Purchase date and current mileage
5. Your authorized dealer’s name and location
6. Your question(s)
If you would like to write a letter, please address it to the following,
Attn: Customer Assistance
Plaza Motors Corp.
Mazda de Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 362722
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00936–2722
Tel: (787) 788–9300
This way, we can be sure to respond to you as efficiently as possible.
That is our goal.
If you live outside the U.S.A., please contact your nearest Mazda
Distributor.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
199

WARNING: Add-On Electrical and Electronic Equipment:
Incorrectly choosing or installing improper add-on equipment or
choosing an improper installer could be dangerous. Essential
systems could be damaged, causing engine stalling, air-bag
(SRS) activation, ABS inactivation, or a fire in the vehicle. Be
very careful in choosing and installing add-on electrical
equipment, such as mobile telephones, two-way radios, stereo
systems, and car alarm systems.
Mazda assumes no responsibility for death, injury, or expenses that may
result from the installation of add-on non-genuine parts or accessories.
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
Factory-authorized Mazda service publications are available for owners
who wish to do some of their own maintenance and repair.
When requesting any of our publications through an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, refer to the chart below.
If they don’t have what you need in stock, they can order it for you.
PUBLICATION ORDER NUMBER PUBLICATION DESCRIPTION
9999 95 022B 06 WORKSHOP MANUAL
9999 95 020G 06 WIRING DIAGRAM
9999 95 023C 06 OWNER’S MANUAL
WORKSHOP MANUAL:
Covers recommended maintenance and repair procedures of the drive
train, body and chassis.
WIRING DIAGRAM:
Provides electrical schematics as well as component location for the
entire electrical system.
OWNER’S MANUAL:
This booklet contains information regarding the proper care and
operation of your vehicle. This is not a technician’s manual.
Please note that your Authorized Mazda Dealership has trained
personnel and special service tools to correctly and safely
maintain Mazda vehicles.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
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WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a premium paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first. Refer toWashing the exteriorfor more
detailed information.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives; use a premium liquid wax.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color. Touch-up
paint can be used to repair minor scratches to painted surfaces.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
206