TRANSMISSION
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Transmission
Driving Tips
Quick Tips Mazda 2003 Tribute page 16
page 17
Revised September 25, 2002
Automatic transmission*
Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it must
be in Park to remove ignition key
P = Park
To move gearshift from Park:
You must press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition
must be in the ON position
R = Reverse
Never engage Reverse when
vehicle is moving
N = Neutral
No gear is engaged; vehicle can
roll freely, even on a slight incline,
unless the brakes are appliedD (Overdrive)
For normal driving: Transmission
shifts through four forward gears
Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and
can feel like an additional
gear
D (Overdrive Off)
Press the overdrive switch (1) to
disengage overdrive; an indicator
light on the instrument panel
will illuminate
2 = Second
Place the gearshift lever in second
when accelerating on slippery
roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades
1 = First
Provides maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades4X4 system*
AUTO = Four-
wheel drive
Power at normal
speed to front/rear
axles as required for traction, 4X4
light off
LOCK = Full time power to
front/rear axles, 4X4 light on
To shift from 4X4 AUTO to
4X4 LOCK (any forward speed):
Press switch
To shift from 4X4 LOCK to 4X4
AUTO high (any forward speed):
Press switch
1OFF/ON
Manual
transmission
Depress clutch
pedal completely
to start engine and
change gears
Stop vehicle completely before
shifting into reverse
LOCK
Break-in period
First 1,000 miles: Avoid heavy
repeated brake use; avoid full
throttle, rapid acceleration or
kick-down of transmission; drive
at varying road and engine speeds
Do not tow a trailer for first
500 miles
Do not use special break-in oils
Tip: Follow the same procedures
with newly overhauled engine
or when brakes are replaced
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS)*
ABS automatically reduces
hydraulic pressure to any wheel
on the verge of locking up
You may feel a slight pulsing of
the brake pedal and hear a
clicking noise; this tells you theABS is functioning properly;
increase pressure on pedal for
maximum braking
Tips: Maintain constant
pressure on the brake pedal
Do not pump the brakes
Tire economy and tips
Check pressure monthly when
tires are cold
See Owner’s Manual for rotation
schedule and chart
Tire pressure
Decal on driver’s door latch
pillar provides tire size and
pressure information
Tire chains*
†Tire chains can damage aluminum
wheels; use on steel wheels only
Tips: Use only SAE class “S”
chains, install only on front
tires; install as tightly as possi-
ble and retighten periodicallyNever exceed 30 mph with
tire chains
Spare tire
Stored under cargo area cover
Jack handle
Stored underneath cargo cover
Gasoline
Unleaded
regular
87-octane
minimum
16-gallon/
61-liter tank
2.0L/3.0L
*Denotes optional equipment†See Owner’s Manual
UNDER HOOD
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Under Hood
Quick Tips Mazda 2003 Tribute page 18
page 19
Revised September 25, 2002
918107
3241156
2.0L DOHC I-4 Zetec Engine3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec Engine
1 . Windshield washer reservoir
Fill with windshield washer
fluid, not water
2. Power steering fluid
reservoir, Check with engine
off and at normal temperature;
fluid level should be within
MIN and MAX lines
3. Engine coolant reservoir
Level should be at cold fill level
or within the cold fill range
when cold
WARNING: Never remove
coolant reserve tank cap
while engine is running or
hot; you could get burned
4. Brake/clutch fluid
reservoir
Fill to MAX mark with DOT 3
fluid, check with cap on5. Air filter
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Hood latch
10. Engine oil dipstick
Check with engine off and at
normal temperature; oil level
should be within crosshatched
area of dipstick
11. Automatic transmission
fluid dipstick*
Check with engine on at
operating temperature;
fluid level should be within
crosshatched area
*Denotes optional equipment
918107
32456
Fuel pump
shutoff
Disables fuel pump
after a substantial
jolt; located on right
side of passenger compartment
behind A-pillar lower trim panel
(below dash)
To reset: Press down top of exposed
red reset button
WARNING: Do not reset shutoff
switch if you see or smell fuel
