2003 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE tow

Driving 120
Starting 120
Brakes 124
Transmission operation 128
Vehicle loading 147
Trailer towing 149
Roadside Emergencies 155
Hazard flasher switch 155
Fuses and relays 156
Overheating 162
Jump starting 169
Wrecker towing 174
Customer Assistance 176
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 186
Cleaning 187
Maintenance and Specifications 192
Engine compartment 200
Engine oil 203
Battery 207
Fuel information 214
Air filter(s) 228
Refill capacities 234
Engine data 236
Accessories 239
Index 240
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Copyright 2002 Mazda Motor Corporation
Table of Contents
2

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and
its equipment? In this guide,
answers to such questions are
contained in comments highlighted by a boldWARNINGstatement.
These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
Introduction
4

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:Your vehicle
is equipped with a computer that
monitors the engine's emission
control system. This system is
commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The
OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system
also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
The
indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to
the RUN position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the
light illuminates
Light turns on (without blinking):
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your
light to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument Cluster
10

Radio reception factors
Three factors can affect radio reception:
²Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by ªsignal modulation.º Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTIES AND SERVICE
Refer to the ªWarranty Guideº for audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your dealer.
Entertainment Systems
43

4. Direct the outer panel vents towards the side windows.
5. To increase airflow to the outer panel vents, close the central panel
vents.
WARNING: Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel
as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden
stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER CONTROL
The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the rear defroster control to
clear the rear window of thin ice
and fog.
²The small LED will illuminate
when the rear defroster is
activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
The defroster turns off automatically after 15 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster
before 15 minutes have passed, push the control again.
Climate Controls
47

High beams
After turning the headlamps on,
push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
INSTRUMENT PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel.
²Push and hold top of control to
brighten.
²Push and hold bottom of control
to dim.
OFF
OFF
Lights
49

MULTIÐFUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:For intermittent
operation, move control down one
position.
Adjust the rotary control to the
desired speed setting.
For normal or low speed wiper
operation, move control down two
positions from OFF.
For high speed wiper operation,
move control down three positions
from OFF.
Mist function:To mist, push
control up from the OFF position
and release to get one wipe.
Windshield washer:To activate
the windshield washer, pull control
toward you. Release control to stop
washer fluid spray.
Rear window wiper/washer controls
For intermittent operation of rear
wiper, rotate end of control upward
to the INT position.
Driver Controls
56

For normal speed rear wiper
operation, rotate control upward to
ON.
To activate the rear washer, rotate
the control to the
position and
release.
Windshield wiper blades
Check the wiper blades for wear at least twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments
used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from
the vehicle. Turn the blade at an
angle from the wiper arm. Push
the lock pin manually to release
the blade and pull the wiper
blade down toward the
windshield to remove it from
the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum
performance.
Driver Controls
57