🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

B2500 Pickup Truck

Year:

1998

Market Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Chassis Code Prefix:

UN

👋 Introduction

Class:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance

Key Competitors 1998:

Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Frontier

Distinguishing Features:

Known for reliability, capable diesel engine option (in some markets), practical utility

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive, factory-level repair information

Manual Accuracy:

Based on original Mazda factory documentation

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

North America (primarily)

Trim Level Coverage:

All available trims for 1998 B2500

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full overhaul procedures, diagnostics, component testing for 2.5L (2498cc) DSL engine

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Clutch system, driveshafts, differentials, hubs, axles, 4WD system (if applicable)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, interior components

Frame And Chassis:

Frame inspection and repair, structural components

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major and minor components

Engine Rebuild:

Piston, ring, bearing, cylinder head, and crankshaft service procedures

Brake Service:

Pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, hydraulic bleeding, caliper/wheel cylinder service

Electrical Repair:

Wiring harness repair, connector servicing, sensor calibration, module testing

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant system evacuation/recharge, component replacement, leak detection

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment procedures and specifications, tire balancing

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Diagnostic Tools:

References OBD-II diagnostic procedures and common scan tool usage

Special Tools:

Lists necessary specialized tools for specific repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content

Readability:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams

Print Capability:

Printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

WL-T (Diesel)

Engine Type:

2.5L (2498cc) Turbocharged Direct Injection Diesel Inline-4

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

21.2:1

Horsepower Output:

Approx. 86-90 hp @ 3500-4000 RPM (market dependent)

Torque Output:

Approx. 130-135 lb-ft @ 2000-2500 RPM (market dependent)

Fuel Type:

Diesel Fuel

Injection System:

Direct Injection with Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

Glow Plugs:

Equipped for cold starts

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch (Manual)

Transfer Case:

Available 4WD with manual or electronic engagement

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

Approx. 114.2 inches (2900 mm)

Wheelbase Long Bed:

Approx. 121.5 inches (3085 mm)

Overall Length:

Varies by bed length (e.g., approx. 194.5 inches for short bed)

Overall Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 63.8 inches (1620 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3600-3900 lbs (market and configuration dependent)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5000-5500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-Star (1998 model year data, may vary)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-Star (1998 model year data, may vary)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, three-point rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 2 or 4 speaker setup

Cruise Control:

Optional on some trim levels

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 30,000-45,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 45,000-60,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000-90,000 miles

Engine Oil Type:

API CD or CE rated Diesel engine oil, SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.3 US quarts (6.0 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent (blue color)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF

Diesel Injector Seals:

Potential for leaking injector seals leading to rough running or starting issues

Glow Plug Reliability:

Glow plugs can become worn over time, affecting cold start performance

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Occasional reports of rear main crankshaft seal leaks

Vacuum Lines:

Degradation of vacuum lines can affect turbocharger operation and HVAC controls

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Truck Legacy:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and capable pickup trucks, starting with models like the B-Series.

B Series Relation:

The B2500 is part of Mazda's B-Series truck line, which often shared platforms and components with Ford trucks during certain periods (e.g., Mazda B-Series shared with Ford Ranger in this generation).

Generation Context:

This generation of the B-Series was produced from 1998 to 2001, succeeding the previous generation and preceding the Mazda BT-50.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Thailand and assembled in various global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year Contenders:

While not a singular award winner, the B-Series was a consistent competitor in the compact truck segment.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered a reliable and durable truck, especially the diesel variants, when properly maintained.