🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

B2300

Year:

2004

Body Style:

Compact Pickup Truck

Vin Character Engine:

G (for 2.3L Duratec)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2004 Mazda B2300 (a rebadged Ford Ranger) occupied the compact pickup truck segment, offering a cost-effective and reliable option for light-duty work and personal transportation. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado.

Competitive Analysis:

Leveraged the established platform and powertrain of the Ford Ranger, providing a familiar driving experience and access to a wide range of aftermarket parts and service expertise. Mazda focused on value and straightforward functionality.

Key Features:

Robust chassis, proven powertrain, straightforward interior, capable for its class in terms of payload and towing. The 2.3L engine offered a good balance of fuel economy and power for its segment.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

North America

Page Count:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this model year)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle controls, dashboard indicators, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), climate control, audio system, power windows/locks, lighting, tires and wheels, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid), basic maintenance, emergency procedures, towing information, specifications.

Procedures Included:

Operating vehicle features, understanding warning lights, checking fluid levels, changing wiper blades, inflating tires, basic troubleshooting for common issues, jump starting, replacing fuses, jacking and changing a tire.

Technical Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM quality, black and white text with illustrative diagrams.

Binding Type:

Stapled or Perfect Bound

Paper Type:

Standard matte finish paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.3L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (Duratec)

Horsepower Rpm:

143 hp @ 5250 rpm (approx.)

Torque Rpm:

154 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Engine Code:

G

Engine Layout:

Inline-4

Displacement:

2295 cc (2.3 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

3.54 in x 3.15 in (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1 (approx.)

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter

Recommended Oil Grade:

SAE 5W-30

Oil Filter Part Number:

Motorcraft FL820S or equivalent Wix 51515

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug

Cooling System Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters)

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

Recommended Coolant:

Yellow (Nitrite-free) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Motorcraft Premium Long Life)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5OD-R1)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4R44E)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (for automatic)

Transmission Fluid Automatic Capacity:

Approximately 7.0-8.0 US quarts (6.6-7.6 Liters) for automatic (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

109.9 inches (Standard Cab), 125.9 inches (Extended Cab)

Overall Length:

192.4 inches (Standard Cab), 208.4 inches (Extended Cab)

Overall Width:

71.2 inches

Overall Height:

66.8 inches (approx.)

Bed Length Short:

6.0 feet (approx.)

Bed Length Long:

7.0 feet (approx.)

Curb Weight Std Cab:

3,300 - 3,500 lbs (approx.)

Curb Weight Ext Cab:

3,500 - 3,700 lbs (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4,700 - 5,000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,900 lbs (with proper equipment and configuration)

Front Track Width:

59.9 inches (approx.)

Rear Track Width:

59.9 inches (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:

4 Stars (2004 model year Ford Ranger)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:

4 Stars (2004 model year Ford Ranger)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels (optional 4-wheel ABS)

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, three-point front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts (extended cab), child safety seat LATCH anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound systems may be available depending on trim level. Basic analog gauges and controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance features. Primarily focused on basic safety and operational information.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard. Aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions: every 3,000 miles or 3 months.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Replace as needed (typically every 15,000-20,000 miles), location varies.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Replace every 100,000 miles (typically with high-quality platinum or iridium plugs).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mercon V (if equipped with power steering)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-4 or GL-5)

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (for 4x4 models)

Rear Axle Fluid Type:

75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (with friction modifier if limited slip)

Known Issues:

Potential for spark plug blow-out in the 2.3L Duratec engine (requires proper torque during installation and use of anti-seize), occasional interior trim rattles, potential for rust in certain climates, heater core leaks on some models.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda is a Japanese automaker with a history of producing reliable and engaging vehicles. The B-Series pickup truck line has been a staple in their lineup for decades.

Model Evolution:

The 2004 B2300 is part of the third generation of Mazda B-Series trucks, which were rebadged Ford Rangers. This collaboration with Ford allowed Mazda to offer a competitive pickup in North America without the significant R&D investment required for an in-house design.

Production Location:

Assembled in North America (typically Edison, New Jersey, or Twin Cities Assembly Plant, Minnesota, for Ford Ranger production).

Production Years:

Mazda B-Series trucks (including rebadged Rangers) were produced from the 1950s to 2011 in North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the B2300 itself may not have specific awards, its Ford Ranger platform received various accolades for its utility and value in the compact truck market over the years.