2001 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD Owners Manual

STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START) without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will
return to 3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12ÉC (10ÉF) and the engine
does not start within five
seconds on the first try, turn the
key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and
try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the
key to START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle. WARNING: To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
4
3
2
1
Starting
105

Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized Mazda dealer inspect and fix
your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust
fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
² the vehicle is raised for service.
² the sound of the exhaust system changes.
² the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
NOTE: Improve vehicle ventilation
by keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.
Starting
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BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the service maintenance
section for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized Mazda
dealership.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
If the 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. 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
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
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WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
ABS warning lamp
ABS(if equipped)
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately by an authorized
Mazda dealership.)
Using four wheel ABS (if equipped)
² In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
NOTE: We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Driving
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Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking brake handle
up as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
!
BRAKE
Driving
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STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
² Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
² underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
² uneven vehicle loading
² high crown in center of road
² high crosswinds
² wheels out of alignment
² loose or worn suspension components
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Driving
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WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an
increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
NOTE:If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the
vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and
relays in theRoadside emergencies chapter.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working. A rear end colission may result after
you brake.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transaxle and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized Mazda dealer or a
qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. NOTE:It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during
the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive
strategy has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained
by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy.
Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or with the
O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in D
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P
(Park).
OFF/ON
R D 2 1ODO
Driving
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