Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Power Window Lockout
Personal Alarm System
FeatureEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capSpeed Control
Low Tire Pressure
Warning
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was accurate at the time of printing.
Mazda may change the contents without notice.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
9
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, theCheck enginelight will stay on until the engine is
cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if
after 15 seconds theCheck enginelight blinks eight times, it means
that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components,
possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap if
this light remains on. Continued
driving with this light on may cause
the Check Engine warning light to
come on.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed or properly re-installed fuel filler cap
depending on driving and fuel tank level conditions.Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a
failure to brake proportioning and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the
vehicle. Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can
cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
P!
BRAKE
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected; have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to ON, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Seat belt:Reminds you to fasten
your seat belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your seat belt. Refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
When the ignition is first turned to ON, the light will illuminate for 3
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn ON,
have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For more
information on this system, refer toUnderstanding Your Tire Pressure
Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
ABS
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is engaged. Turns off when the
speed control system is disengaged.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Door ajar warning chime:Sounds when any door is opened (or not
fully closed).
Parking brake ON warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h).
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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The auxiliary power points are
located on the instrument panel.
Do not use the power point for
operating the cigarette lighter
element (if equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being
blown, do not use the power
point(s) over the vehicle capacity of
12 VDC/180W. If the power point or cigar lighter socket is not working, a
fuse may have blown. Refer toPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
andFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter for fuse
ratings and information on checking and replacing fuses.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigar/Cigarette lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and
do not let children play with the power windows. They may
seriously injure themselves.
WARNING: When closing the power windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and ensure that children and/or
pets are not in the proximity of the window openings.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
55
•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 yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
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 GCWR, 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.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding
against exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their seat belts. For more
information on seat belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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