Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Manual — part 14

Unleaded Gasoline engines

If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized Mazda
dealership.

FFV engine (if equipped)

Your FFV will operate well on ordinary “Regular” unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check
your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When
checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If
your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a “K.”

If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. See the Service
Maintenance Section for more information.

If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27° C (80° F), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your authorized Mazda dealership.

Cleaner air

Mazda endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.

Running out of fuel

Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.

If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after

refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.

• Your “Check Engine” indicator may come on. For more information on

the “Check Engine” indicator, refer to the Instrument Cluster
chapter.

Fuel Filter

For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized Mazda dealership. Refer
to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.

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Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Mazda part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Mazda fuel filter is not used.

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY

Measuring techniques

Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).

Filling the tank

The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Refill capacities
section of this chapter.

The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.

The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.

For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
• Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,

an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.

• Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time

the tank is filled.

• Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
• Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
• Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
• Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the

same direction each time you fill up.

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• Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.

Calculating fuel economy

1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading

(in kilometers or miles).

2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in

liters or gallons).

3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record

the current odometer reading.

4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer

reading.

5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel

economy:

Calculation 1: Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.

Calculation 2: Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.

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]).

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• 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 third and fourth 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.

• 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.

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• 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:
• 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 service maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.

If other than Mazda or 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 Motor
Corporation 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.

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Illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light, 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 Guide for complete emission warranty
information.

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

PO

WER

ST

EE

RIN

G

FL

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

Checking and adding brake fluid

Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
service maintenance section for the
service interval schedules.

1. Clean the reservoir cap before

removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.

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221

2. Visually inspect the fluid level.

3. If necessary, add brake fluid

from a clean un-opened
container until the level reaches
MAX. Do not fill above this line.

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid

certified to meet Mazda specification . Refer to Lubricant
specifications in this chapter.

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.

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.

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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222

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 (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.

1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal

operating temperature.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,

start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If

necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine
compartment in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.

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223

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be

in the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.

Low fluid level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).

High fluid level

Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specifications section in this chapter.

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Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.

If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.

An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

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.

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225

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.

Checking and adding transfer case fluid (if equipped)

Vehicle must be on level surface.

1. Clean the filler plug.

2. Remove the filler plug and

inspect the fluid level.

3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.

4. Add only enough fluid through

the filler opening so that the
fluid level is at the bottom of
the opening.

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226

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.

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.

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.

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227

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.

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.

SERVICING YOUR TIRES

Checking the tire pressure

• Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
• Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been

parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km (3 miles).

• Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the

Certification Label or the Tire Label.

WARNING: Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.

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228

Tire rotation

Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the service maintenance section. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.

The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels, if your vehicle is equipped with dual rear wheels it is
recommended that only the front wheels be rotated (side to side).
• Four tire rotation

• Five tire rotation

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