Segment:
Compact pickup truck, often used for work, recreation, and light-duty hauling.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet S-10/Colorado, GMC Sonoma/Canyon, Nissan Frontier.
Features:
Reliable powertrain, manageable size for urban environments, capable for light towing and hauling, available in various cab and bed configurations.
Heritage:
The Mazda B-Series truck has a long history, often sharing platforms and powertrains with Ford's compact trucks during this era (e.g., the B-Series was a rebadged Ford Ranger).
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2004 Mazda B3000.
Secondary Coverage:
Safety features, controls, features, maintenance schedule, fluid specifications, tire information, basic adjustments, and roadside assistance.
Approximate Pages:
120-180
Original Format:
Printed Booklet
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, fuel system, exhaust system (basic operation and maintenance).
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (operation, maintenance, and fluid specifications).
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, battery maintenance (basic operation and care).
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, cargo area, exterior features (operation and care).
Safety:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, lighting, braking system safety features.
Climate Control:
Operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Instrumentation:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights, gauges, and indicators.
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, basic cleaning.
Operation:
Starting and driving, gear selection, parking, using accessories, towing information (basic).
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights interpretation, basic symptom diagnosis (e.g., starting problems, unusual noises - limited to owner-level solutions).
Jump Starting:
Detailed instructions for jump-starting the vehicle.
Tire Changing:
Instructions for changing a flat tire, including jack points and spare tire location.
Depth:
Consumer-oriented, focusing on safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component replacement.
Diag Codes:
Owner's manual typically does not cover diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); these are found in service manuals.
Digital Format Availability:
Likely available as a PDF reprint; original is printed.
Quality:
Original quality: durable paper, clear text, and diagrams. Reprint quality varies.
Binding:
Original: Staple-bound or glued spine. Reprint: Varies (staple, spiral, or perfect bound).
Paper:
Original: Standard automotive manual paper. Reprint: Standard paper or heavier stock.
Engine:
3.0L OHV V6 (Vulcan engine family, shared with Ford)
Horsepower:
Approximately 150-154 hp @ 4,800-5,000 RPM
Torque:
Approximately 180-184 lb-ft @ 3,750-3,500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Engine Code:
3.0L V6: Vulcan (e.g., Vulcan 12V)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 114.5 inches (Short Bed) or 125.9 inches (Long Bed)
Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., ~188 inches for Short Bed, ~200 inches for Long Bed)
Width:
Approximately 66.4 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approximately 63.5 inches
Bed Length:
Approximately 71.8 inches (Short Bed) or 81.7 inches (Long Bed)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,700 lbs depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,500 lbs (V6, RWD, properly equipped)
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 900 - 1,300 lbs depending on configuration
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (for 2004 models)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (for 2004 models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard depending on trim
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player (optional). Basic speaker configuration.
Navigation:
Not available on this model.
Cruise Control:
Available on select trims
Power Windows Locks:
Available on select trims
Bluetooth:
Not available on this model.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights. Manual operation, no automatic features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per severe service schedule).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Engine Coolant Flush:
Approximately every 100,000 miles or 5 years (initially).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Manual: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check manual for specific requirements); API Service SG, SH, or SJ.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mercon V (for 4R44E/4R55E)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-3 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90
Coolant:
Ford Super Coolant (VC-12A) or equivalent (typically a yellow, long-life coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon/Dexron II or III automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (for RWD and 4WD rear differentials). Check capacity in manual.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Likely an ATF type fluid or specific transfer case fluid (consult manual for exact type, e.g., Mercon V or equivalent).
Common Problems:
Rear main seal leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on V6), transmission issues (automatic shifting problems), rust on frame and body panels (especially in certain climates), cooling system issues (radiator leaks, thermostat failures).
Preventative Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check and top off all fluids. Inspect for rust and address promptly. Follow scheduled maintenance for the transmission and cooling system.
Mazda Truck Lineage:
Mazda has a history of producing reliable compact trucks, with the B-Series being a long-standing model in its lineup.
Generation Overview:
The second generation (UN) B-Series, introduced in the late 1990s, was a significant redesign. For 2004, it was largely a carryover of the previous years with minor updates. Notably, Mazda and Ford collaborated, making the B3000 a rebadged Ford Ranger.
Manufacturing Plant:
Twin City Assembly Plant, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA (shared with Ford Ranger).
Production Years:
Second Generation: 1998-2009 (Mazda B-Series). 2004 is part of this generation.
Industry Awards:
As a rebadged Ford Ranger, it benefited from the Ranger's reputation for durability and capability in the compact truck segment. Specific Mazda awards for this variant are less common than for Ford's original design.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied by year and specific powertrain, but generally rated average to above average for its class during its production run.