2001 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD ECU

Understanding gearshift positions
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.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of R (Reverse).WARNING: Make sure the
rearward path of the vehicle is
unobstructed before moving
the vehicle in reverse.
R D 2 1ODO
R D 2 1ODO
Driving
113

1 (First)
Use 1 (First) for when added engine
braking is desired when descending
steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift to
the proper gear to ascend any grade
without any need to shift to 1
(First).
To avoid damage to the engine and/or transaxle do not go faster
than 56 km/h (35 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from 1
(First) to overdrive at any time.WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off
the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your
vehicle unattended while it is running. Never leave children in
an unattended vehicle. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a starter interrupt
interlock that prevents cranking of the engine unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must: 1. Put the gearshift lever in the neutral position.
R D 2 1ODO
1
24R 3
5
Driving
116

Recreational towing
An example of ªrecreational towingº is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x2
(front-wheel drive only) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is
permitted by trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This
protects the transmission's internal mechanical components from
potential lack of lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x4 (all-wheel
drive) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is permitted only if
the vehicle is trailered with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise,
no ªrecreational towingº is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transmission equipped, shifting the transmission
into neutral permits ªflat-towingº (all wheels on the ground) for pulling
behind a motorhome. Your vehicle may be towed up to a speed of
120 km/h (75 mph) but you should always obey local speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer toWrecker Towingin the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack. The maximum load for the roof
rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed on the crossbars. If it is not
possible to evenly distribute the load, position it in the center or as far
forward on the crossbars as possible. Always use the adjustable tie down
loops to secure the load.
To adjust the cross-bar position: 1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
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131

NOTE:To stow the full size flat tire
in the cargo floor, the long spare
tire rod in the tool bag needs to be
installed.
11. Using the lug wrench, remove the spare tire rod from the
cargo floor and install the longer
spare tire rod.
12. Put flat tire and tool bag with jack handle, lug nut wrench and
spare tire rod away. Make sure
jack is fastened so it does not
rattle when you drive.
NOTE: The cargo cover can not be
reattached to the back seat clips
when a full size tire is stowed.
13. Install cargo cover over the flat tire and secure with the plastic
nut.
14. Unblock the wheels.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter. WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes, and clothing, if contacted.
Roadside emergencies
147

Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
² Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
² Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
² Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and care
161

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hoodrelease handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel.
2. At the front of the vehicle, lift up on the auxiliary latch handle located in the center between the hood and the grille.
3. Lift the hood open and secure it with the prop rod.
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ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the service maintenance section for the appropriate intervals for
checking the engine oil.1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual
transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
² 2.0L DOHC I4 Zetec engine
FULL
ADD
Maintenance and care
165

If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer to the Capacities
and specifications chapter.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
Maintenance and care
179