2008 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES brakes

Seating and Safety Restraints 69
Seating 69
Safety restraints 71
Airbags 86
Child restraints 94
Tires, Wheels and Loading 106
Tire information 109
Tire inflation 110
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 124
Vehicle loading 129
Trailer towing 135
Recreational towing 144
Driving 146
Starting 146
Brakes 151
Transmission operation 156
Roadside Emergencies 168
Hazard flasher switch 168
Fuel pump shut-off switch 168
Fuses and relays 169
Changing tires 179
Lug nut torque 187
Overheating 188
Jump starting 189
Wrecker towing 194
Customer Assistance 195
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 205
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 205
Cleaning 206
Table of Contents
2
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or
•Depress the clutch pedal (if equipped).
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
Note:When you use the clutch pedal to disengage the speed control,
the engine speed may briefly increase, this is normal.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RES (resume) control and
release it. This will automatically
return the vehicle to the previously
set speed.
Increasing speed while using speed control
There are three ways to set a higher
speed:
•Press and hold the SET + control
until you get to the desired
speed, then release the control.
•Press and release the SET +
control to operate the Tap-Up function. Each tap will increase the set
speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
•Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the
vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET + control.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
58

movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the combination seat belts will lock to help reduce
forward movement of the driver and passengers.
Automatic locking mode (outboard front passenger seating
position only) for use with child safety seats
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver seat belt.
When to use the automatic locking mode
•Any timea child safety seat is installed in a passenger front seat.
Refer toSafety Restraints for ChildrenorSafety Seats for Children
later in this chapter.
How to use the automatic locking mode (Outboard front passenger
seating position only) for use with child safety seats
•Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
•Grasp the shoulder portion and
pull downward until the entire
belt is pulled out.
•Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound. This indicates the seat belt is now in the automatic locking
mode.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
78

GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult your authorized
dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer) for more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight– refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.
(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply
by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to
2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING: Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may
lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
133

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 - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer
weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab
2.3L All 4,800 (2,177) 1,600 (725) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,640 (1,197) 50 (4.64)
3.0L*
Dual
Sport4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,540 (1,152) 50 (4.64)
Cab Plus 4
2.3L All 4,800 (2,177) 1,440 (653) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L* 3.73 6,000 (2,722) 2,540 (1,152) 50 (4.64)
3.0L*
Dual
Sport4.10 6,000 (2,722) 2,320 (1,052) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 7,000 (3,175) 3,420 (1,551) 50 (4.64)
4.0L Dual
SportAll 7,000 (3,175) 3,260 (1,478) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) 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.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
136

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.
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.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
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USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
140

•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events and the brake pedal may suddenly
P!
BRAKE
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
151

travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake
operation resumes. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake
system.
NOTE:The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.
A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
152