2003 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE flat tire

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.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
²Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do 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, check for:
²an underinflated tire
²uneven tire wear
²loose or worn suspension components
²loose or worn steering components
²improper steering alignment
!
BRAKE
Driving
127

Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
NOTE:
²If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
²When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
²Once through 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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4x4 vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts, halfshafts and tires. Excess mud on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage drive
components.
NOTE:
If the transaxle Power Take Off unit or rear axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving
142

²Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4x4 vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally
provided by Mazda Motor Corporation because it can affect the safety
and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to loss of vehicle
control or rollover and serious injury. Make sure all tires and wheels on
the vehicle are of the same size, type, tread design, brand and
load-carrying capacity. If you have questions regarding tire replacement,
see an authorized Mazda/Mazda dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4x4 for off-road use with tires
larger than what Mazda Motor Corporation recommends, you should not
use these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Mazda Motor
Corporation, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure.
Do not use ªaftermarket lift kitsº or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These ªaftermarket lift kitsº could adversely affect the vehicle's handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Mazda Motor Corporation recommended
pressure even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the
tire.
Driving
145

Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe operation
requires tires that are neither
underinflated nor a vehicle which is
overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
in case it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide both reasonably safe, predictable performance
whether loaded or empty and durable load carrying capability. For this
reason, Mazda Motor Corporation strongly recommends that you do not
make modifications such as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts not equivalent to the
original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Mazda Motor Corporation recommends that caution be used with any
vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or
pickup box cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
Driving
146

²Rearjacking 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.
Never use the differentials as a
jacking point. It is too easy for
the vehicle to tilt or fall and you
can be injured.
WARNING: To lessen the risk
of personal injury, do not put
any part of your body under
the vehicle while changing a
tire. Do not start the engine
when your vehicle is on the
jack. The jack is only meant
for changing the tire.
7. Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.
8. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem
is facing outward. Reinstall lug nuts until the wheel is snug against
the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been
lowered.
Roadside Emergencies
167

9. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
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.
1
4 3
2 5
Roadside Emergencies
168

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)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakesIIII
Drum brakes I I
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
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
jointsII
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyIIII
Exhaust system heat shields I I
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
Refrigerant amountIIII
Compressor operationIIII
*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 Specifications
196

Driving style Ð good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle service maintenance section.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
Maintenance and Specifications
221