Mazda B4000 4WD Truck (2004 year). Instruction

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits

Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.

Habits

• Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
• Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel

economy.

• Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste

fuel.

• Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
• Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
• Slow down gradually.
• Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%

less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).

• Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
• Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
• You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if

unnecessary shifting between fourth and fifth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.

• Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may

reduce fuel economy.

• Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel

economy.

• Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.

Maintenance

• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel

economy.

• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specifications in

this chapter.

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216

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the

recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle service maintenance section.

Conditions

• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy

at any speed.

• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately

0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).

• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug

deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.

• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first

12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.

• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on hilly terrain.

• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top

cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

• Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than

two-wheel-drive operation.

• Close windows for high speed driving.

EPA window sticker

Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:

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217

• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in your service maintenance section performed

according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.

If other than Mazda authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda parts in
performance and durability.

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.

Illumination of the

CHECK

ENGINE

indicator, charging system warning light or the

temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.

WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.

Please consult your “Warranty Information” for complete emission
warranty information.

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218

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in the Warning lights and
chimes section of the Instrument cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.

If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
• First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
• Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with

at least four idle periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.

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219

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID

• 2.3L I4 engine

• 3.0L V6 engine

• 4.0L V6 engine

DO NOT

OVER FILL

WER

RIN

UID

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220

Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the service maintenance section
for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only
MERCON

t ATF.

1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating

temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several

times.

3. Turn the engine off.

4. If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, check the

fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range.
Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.

5. If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4

engine, check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between
the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.

6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking

the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR

The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your Mazda dealer immediately.

WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

MAX

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221

WARNING: If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.

WARNING: Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)

Check the fluid level. Refer to the service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.

During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.

Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Mazda specification.
Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this chapter.

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.

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222

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)

Refer to your service maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
• Refer to your Service Maintenance Section for 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, 30 km

(20 miles) of driving.

• DO NOT ADD fluid until the transmission is at normal operating

temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.

To check and add fluid:

1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating

temperatures.

• If vehicle was driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow

transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.

2. Engage parking brake, start engine.

3. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly

through all of the gear ranges.

4. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.

6. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.

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223

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect

the fluid level. Level should be
in the cross-hatched area.

8. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml

(1/2 pint) increments through
the filler tube until the level is
correct at normal operating
temperatures. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications section in this
chapter for the correct fluid type.

• The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal

transmission damage.

• 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 a qualified technician.

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224

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. Assure 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 Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.

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225

Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)

1. Park the vehicle on a level

surface.

2. Engage the parking brake fully –

put in first gear.

3. Assure 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 Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE

Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.

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226

CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID

1. Park the vehicle on a level

surface.

2. Engage the parking brake fully –

put in first gear.

3. Assure 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 Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
• Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.

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227

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Mazda to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA A B C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.

NOTE: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A B C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.

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228

WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

TIRES

Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they
must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

Glossary of tire terminology

• Tire label: A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes,

recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle
can carry.

• Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of

each tire providing information about the tire brand and
manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.

• Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing
the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires
load carrying capability.

• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tires load carrying capability.

• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
• B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the

front door.

• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that

contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.

• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly

upon which the tire beads are seated.

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229

INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized
information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and
describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a
tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of
a recall.

Information on “P” type tires

P215/65R15 95H is an example of a
tire size, load index and speed
rating. The definitions of these
items are listed below. (Note that
the tire size, load index and speed
rating for your vehicle may be
different than this example.)

1. P: Indicates a tire, designated

by the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that maybe used for
service on cars, SUVs, minivans
and light trucks.

Note: If your tire size does not
begin with a letter this may mean it
is designated by either ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire
Manufacturing Association).

2. 215: Indicates the nominal width of the tire in millimeters from

sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the
wider the tire.

3. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width.

4. R: Indicates a “radial” type tire.

5. 15: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change

your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the
new wheel diameter.

6. 95: Indicates the tire’s load index. It is an index that relates to how

much weight a tire can carry. You may find this information in your
owner’s guide. If not, contact a local tire dealer.

Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.

7. H: Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the

speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods
of time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure.
The tires on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load
and inflation pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted
for the difference in conditions. The ratings range from 159 km/h (99
mph) to 299 km/h (186 mph). These ratings are listed in the
following chart.

Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.

Letter rating

Speed rating - km/h (mph)

159 km/h (99 mph)

171 km/h (106 mph)

180 km/h (112 mph)

190 km/h (118 mph)

200 km/h (124 mph)

210 km/h (130 mph)

240 km/h (149 mph)

270 km/h (168 mph)

299 km/h (186 mph)

Note: For tires with a maximum speed capability over 240 km/h (149
mph), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with
a maximum speed capability over 299 km/h (186 mph), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with

the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where
it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last
four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000
the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at
the manufacturer’s discretion. This information is used to contact
customers if a tire defect requires a recall.

9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow. or

AT: All Terrain. or
AS: All Season.

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231

Mazda B4000 4WD Truck (2004 year). Instruction - part 14