2001 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD suspension

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
110

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
² Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
² Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
² Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
ªScheduled Maintenanceº section of this manual.
² Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
² Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Certification label. For
load specification terms found on the label, refer to Vehicle loadingin
this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded
vehicle when figuring the total weight.
Driving
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Before placing the jack under the vehicle, NOTE the jack locations:
² Front jacking notches are located
under the front suspension
arm.
² Rear jacking notches are located
under the rear trailing arm.
6. Position the jack according to the following guides and turn
the jack handle clockwise until
the tire is a maximum of 25 mm
(1 inch) off the ground.
Roadside emergencies
145

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
x 1000 Km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
(x 1000 Miles) (7.5) (15) (22.5) (30) (37.5) (45) (52.5) (60) (67.5) (75) (82.5) (95)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections II I
Disc brakes II I
Drum brakes II I
Steering operation and linkages II I
Rear differential oil
(for 4WD) *2 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Front and rear suspension ball joints II I
Driveshaft dust boots II I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body II I
Exhaust system heat shields II I
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLL L
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amount IIIII I
Compressor operation IIIII I
*1 According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these
items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all
maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage (kilometrage)
period to ensure long-term reliability.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.
Maintenance and care
157

Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 Km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
(x 1000 Miles) (5) (10) (15) (20) (25) (30) (35) (40) (45) (50) (55) (60)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIII I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level I IIIIIIIIII I
Disc brakes I I I I
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear I IIIIIIIIII I
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level I IIIIIIIIII I
Manual transaxle oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Automatic transaxle fluid Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Rear differential oil (for 4WD) *2 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Transfer oil (for 4WD) *2 Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Front and rear suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body I I I I
Exhaust system heat shields I I
All locks and hinges L LLLLLLLLLL L
Washer fluid level I IIIIIIIIII I
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amount I I I I
Compressor operation I I I I
*1 According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these
items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all
maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage (kilometrage)
period to ensure long-term reliability.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.
Maintenance and care
159

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. See your authorized Mazda dealer for more
information on tire cables and other traction devices for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
² Avoid overloading your vehicle.
² Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed.
² Do not use cables on dry roads.
² The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
² Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Mazda approved methods of
traction control.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and
fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and care
189