2004 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE check transmission fluid

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 improperly inflated tire
²uneven tire wear
²loose or worn suspension components
²loose or worn steering components
²improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Driving
128

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 through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a lubricant
Driving
143

and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water
may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your
engine.
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. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING ± WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's
Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
Base Curb Weight± is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight± is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight± includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)± is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) ± including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
Driving
148

The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the ªMINº and
ªMAXº lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake/clutch (if equipped) system
could be compromised, seek service from an authorized Mazda dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance section for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine
compartmentin this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
228

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
crosshatch zone may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid
may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
229

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. 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 theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
WARNING: Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek
medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink
water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
Maintenance and Specifications
230

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................126
Accessory delay ..........................62
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................100±101, 105
and child safety seats ............102
description ......................101, 105
disposal ............................105, 109
driver air bag ..................103, 108
indicator light .................104, 109
operation .........................103, 108
passenger air bag ...........103, 108
side air bag ..............................105
Air cleaner filter .......................231
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................138
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................212
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................126±127
Anti-theft system ........................78
arming the system ....................78
disarming a triggered system ..79
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 27
Automatic transaxle
driving with .............................132
fluid, adding ............................228
fluid, checking ........................228
Automatic transmission ............129
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Auxiliary power point .................60Axle
refill capacities ........................244
B
Battery .......................................210
acid, treating emergencies .....210
jumping a disabled battery ....171
maintenance-free ....................210
servicing ..................................210
Brakes ........................................125
anti-lock ...........................126±127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....227
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .................246
lubricant specifications ..........246
parking ....................................127
shift interlock ..........................129
Break-in period .............................4
Bulbs ............................................51
C
Calculating load ........................151
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cargo area shade ........................68
CD-single .....................................17
Cell phone warning ...................250
Certification Label ....................248
Child safety restraints ..............110
child safety belts ....................110
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether straps ..117
Cigar lighter
Power Point ........................60±61
Index
Index
251

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............191
instrument panel ....................193
interior .....................................194
interior trim ............................193
Mazda car care products .......195
plastic parts ............................192
washing ....................................190
waxing .....................................190
wheels ......................................191
wiper blades ............................193
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............44
Clock ......................................26, 39
Clutch
fluid ..................................227, 230
operation while driving ..........135
recommended shift speeds ....136
Console ........................................67
overhead ..............................58±59
Controls
power seat .................................82
Coolant
checking and adding ..............212
refill capacities ................216, 244
specifications ..........................246
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................63
Customer Assistance .......179±180,
183
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................48
Defrost
rear window ..............................47Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................228
engine oil .................................206
Door locks ...................................70
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 141, 144
sand .........................................143
snow and ice ...........................145
through water .................143, 147
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................171
Emission control system ..........225
Engine ........................................247
cleaning ...................................191
coolant .....................................212
idle speed control ...................210
lubrication specifications .......246
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..................204±205
Engine block heater .................124
Engine oil ..................................206
checking and adding ..............206
dipstick ....................................206
filter, specifications ................209
recommendations ...................209
refill capacities ........................244
specifications ..........................246
Exhaust fumes ..........................124
F
Fluid capacities .........................244
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
description ..............................139
Index
252