Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Manual

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.

Regular Cab

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

2.3L w/manual

transmission

3.73

4,800 (2,177)

1,540 (699)

2.3L

w/automatic

transmission

4.10

5,500 (2,495)

2,200 (998)

4x2 Cab Plus 4

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

2–Door without Jump Seat

2.3L w/manual

transmission

4.10

4,800 (2,177)

1,380 (626)

2.3L

w/automatic

transmission

4.10

5,500 (2,495)

2,060 (934)

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,380 (1,533)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4309)

5,820 (2,640)

4–Door without Jump Seat

2.3L w/manual

transmission

4.10

4,800 (2,177)

1,300 (590)

2.3L

w/automatic

transmission

4.10

5,500 (2,495)

1,980 (898)

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3175)

3,300 (1,497)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

154

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

4x2 Cab Plus 4

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,740 (2,604)

2–Door with Jump Seat

2.3L w/manual

transmission

4.10

4,800 (2,177)

1,360 (617)

2.3L

w/automatic

transmission

4.10

5,500 (2495)

2,020 (916)

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,340 (1515)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,800 (2631)

4–Door with Jump Seat

2.3L w/manual

transmission

4.10

4,800 (2,177)

1,280 (581)

2.3L

w/automatic

transmission

4.10

5,500 (2,495)

1,940 (880)

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7000 (3175)

3,260 (1,479)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,720 (2,595)

2–Door Dual Sport without Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,280 (1,488)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4309)

5,720 (2595)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

155

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

4x2 Cab Plus 4

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

4–Door Dual Sport without Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,200 (1,452)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,660 (2,567)

2–Door Dual Sport with Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,240 (1,470)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,700 (2,586)

4–Door Dual Sport with Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

3.55

7,000 (3,175)

3,160 (1,433)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

3.55

9,500 (4,309)

5,620 (2,549)

4x4 Cab Plus 4

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

2–Door without Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

All

7,000 (3,175)

3,120 (1,415)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

All

9,500 (4,309)

5,580 (2,531)

4–Door without Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

All

7,000 (3,175)

3,040 (1,379)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

156

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

4x4 Cab Plus 4

Engine

Rear axle

ratio

Maximum

GCWR - lb (kg)

Maximum trailer

weight - lb (kg)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

All

9,500 (4,309)

5,500 (2,495)

2–Door with Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

All

7,000 (3,175)

3,100 (1,406)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

All

9,500 (4309)

5,560 (2,522)

4–Door with Jump Seat

4.0L w/manual

transmission

All

7,000 (3,175)

3,000 (1,361)

4.0L

w/automatic

transmission

All

9,500 (4,309)

5,460 (2,477)

For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation.

For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle loading earlier in
this chapter.

To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Vehicle loading earlier in this chapter.

Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and the loaded
trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Your vehicle is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Your vehicle’s electrical system is not equipped
to accommodate electric trailer brakes.

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.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

157

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

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. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible 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.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

158

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

WARNING:

Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not

have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.

Using a step bumper

The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 3/4 inch (19 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2,000 lb (907 kg) trailer weight and 200 lb (91 kg) tongue weight
capability.

The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.

Trailer tow connector

The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

159

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:

Trailer tow connector

Color

Function

Comment

1. Dark Green

Trailer right-hand
turn signal

Circuit activated when brake
pedal is pressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.

2. Yellow

Trailer left-hand turn
signal

Circuit activated when brake
pedal is pressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.

3. Tan/White

Tail lamp

Relay controlled circuit
activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.

4. White

Ground

Matching vehicle circuit
returns to battery’s negative
ground.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer

tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.

• To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first

500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive automatic transmission shifting, use a lower gear.

This will also assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.

• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside

temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in the Instrument Cluster chapter.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

160

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

• 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 your scheduled maintenance
information for 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 the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 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 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.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

161

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

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.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
• causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.

Note:

Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to

prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate
controls chapter for more information.

2WD and 4WD vehicles with manual transmissions:

Before you tow your vehicle:
• Release the parking brake.
• Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the off/unlocked position.
• The maximum towing speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
• The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
• Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
• The vehicle must be towed in the forward direction to ensure no

damage is done to the internal transmission components.

For 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission, it is recommended that a
Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized dealer if
the vehicle is towed frequently.

In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided
by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

162

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions:

Do not tow your vehicle

with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or transmission damage may
occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off
the ground such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no
recreational towing is permitted.

4WD automatic transmission vehicles with electronic shift
transfer case (Neutral tow kit accessory):

On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the
ground. Contact your authorized dealer for more details. Do not tow your
vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow
kit as vehicle damage may occur.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker
towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

CAMPER BODIES

Your pickup is not recommended for slide–in camper bodies.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

163

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Accessory — allows the

electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.

2. Lock — locks the steering

wheel, automatic transmission
gearshift lever and allows key
removal. For vehicles equipped
with a manual transmission, you
must press the ignition release
lever to release the key.

3. Off — shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the

steering wheel.

4. On — all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated.

Key position when driving.

5. Start — cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

Note:

This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment

standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.

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 engine in 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.

Driving

164

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

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. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in 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 Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

Driving

165

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:

1. Make sure the parking brake is

set.

2. Press and hold the clutch pedal

to the floor, then put the
gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position.

3. Turn the key to 4 (on) without

turning the key to 5 (start).

If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• front wheels are turned
• front wheel is against the curb
• steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

Note:

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the

engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Driving

166

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

1. Turn the key to 4 (on) without

turning the key to 5 (start). If
there is difficulty in turning the
key, rotate the steering wheel
until the key turns freely. This
condition may occur when:

• the front wheels are turned

• a front wheel is against the
curb

2. Turn the key to 5 (start), then

release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Note:

If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,

turn the key to off, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow
the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded
with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

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 ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or
air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).

Driving

167

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

WARNING:

Failure to follow engine block heater instructions

could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use

your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• 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.

Driving

168

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

• 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 will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three 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 to Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument 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
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

BRAKE

Driving

169

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Manual - part 10