2008 MAZDA MODEL B-SERIES check transmission fluid

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

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.
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•Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function.
•Check air pressure in spare tire.
•Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
•Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, seat belt) for
operation.
•Check cooling system fluid level and verify coolant specific gravity is
correct for summer or winter conditions.
•Check battery water level (non-maintenance free).
•Check battery connections and clean if necessary.
Retightening lug nuts
•Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
•Refer toWheel Lug Nut Torque Specificationin theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide necessary parts and service. Check your “Warranty Information”
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission/transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and
water from entering the
reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be
in the cross-hatched area.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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9. If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures.
Refer to theMaintenance product specifications and capacities
section in this chapter for the correct fluid type. The use of any
other non-approved fluid may cause internal transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 50–95°F
(10–30°C). DO NOT ADD fluid
until the transmission is at
normal operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by an authorized dealer.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure that the vehicle cannot
move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item ApplicationMazda part name or
equivalentCapacity
Brake fluid and clutch
fluid (if equipped)AllHigh Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidBetween MIN and MAX
on reservoir
1
Door weather strips All Silicone Lubricant —
Hinges, door checks,
latches, striker plates,
fuel filler door hinge
and seat tracksAll Multi-Purpose Grease —
Transmission
/steering/parking brake
linkages and pivots,
brake and clutch pedal
shaft, clutch pilot
bearing and input shaft
spline (manual
transmission)AllPremium Long-Life
Grease—
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
259

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................151
Air cleaner filter ...............257, 259
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............89
description ................................86
disposal ......................................91
driver airbag ........................86, 89
indicator light ...........................90
operation .............................86, 89
passenger airbag .................86, 89
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................234
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................151–152
Anti-theft system ........................66
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 27
Automatic transmission ............156
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................157
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....32
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........259
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................232
acid, treating emergencies .....232
jumping a disabled battery ....189
maintenance-free ....................232
servicing ..................................232Belt-Minder...............................82
Booster seats ...............................95
Brakes ........................................151
anti-lock ...........................151–152
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................153
fluid, checking and adding ....252
fluid, specifications .................259
lubricant specifications ..........259
parking ....................................153
shift interlock ..........................156
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................46
C
Cargo cage ...................................60
Cell phone warning ...................267
Changing a tire .........................179
Child safety restraints ................95
child seat belts .........................95
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ............................100
in rear seat ..............................100
tether anchorage hardware ...102
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................95
Chimes (warning) .......................17
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............207
instrument panel ....................210
interior .....................................210
Mazda car care products .......211
plastic parts ............................209
washing ....................................206
waxing .....................................206
wheels ......................................207
2008 B-Series(mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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