2005 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE tire pressure

•Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four Wheel Drive
(4WD)/All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask a qualified technician at a
Mazda dealership to check for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire
imbalance or mechanical problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
NOTE:Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
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. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specification as those originally installed.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
144

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 (1) to release pressure
before pushing in the button (2).
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:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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:
•an improperly inflated tire
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
165

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
178

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:
•If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
•When 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.
•Once 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 4WD 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
that does not normally require a lubricant change for the life of the
vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
179

•4WD vehicles should be driven with traction devices as referred to in
Using snow tires and traction devicesin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide 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 THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the
depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited
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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
182

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)
Engine coolant (yellow) Replace at first 160,000 km (100,000 miles) or 60
months; after that, every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
or 36 months
Engine coolant level I I IIIIIIIIII
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I IIIIIIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level I I IIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes I I I I
Drum brakes I I
Tire (rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear I I IIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level I I IIIIIIIIII
Manual transaxle oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Automatic transaxle fluid Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles)
Rear differential fluid
(4WD only)*3 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Transfer case fluid
(4WD only)*3 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 L LLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I IIIIIIIIII
*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 miles (kilometers) period to ensure
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
220

long-term reliability.
*2 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions,
change the spark plugs every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving.
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation.
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid
climates.
*3 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be
changed.
OWNER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable
operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
•Brake and clutch fluid level
•Engine coolant level
•Engine oil level
•Washer fluid level
At Least Monthly
•Tire inflation pressures
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•Automatic transaxle fluid level
•Power steering fluid level
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a Scheduled Maintenance section which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your“Warranty Information”to find
out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221

Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................78, 81–86
Safety Canopy ...........................102
Safety defects, reporting ..........209
Safety restraints ..............78, 81–86
belt minder ...............................88
extension assembly ..................87
for adults .............................82–85
for children .....................107–108
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................79
safety belt maintenance ...........92
warning light and chime ..........88
Safety seats for children ..........111
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................78
Seats ............................................70
child safety seats ....................111
heated ........................................73
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................65
Servicing your vehicle ..............221
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................22
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................26
Side-curtain air bags system
(if equipped) .....................104–105
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs, specifications .......256
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................255
Speed control ..............................51
Starting your vehicle ........158–160
jump starting ..........................191Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................45
Tires ...................................121–122
alignment ................................142
care ..........................................141
changing ..................................128
checking the pressure ............124
inspecting and inflating .........123
label .........................................140
replacing ..................................126
rotating ....................................143
safety practices .......................142
sidewall information ...............136
snow tires and chains ............144
spare tire .........................126–127
terminology .............................123
tire grades ...............................122
treadwear ........................122, 141
Towing .......................................152
recreational towing .................157
trailer towing ..........................152
wrecker ....................................197
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................251
manual operation ....................172
Transmission
automatic operation ...............167
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....167
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................249
fluid, refill capacities ..............253
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................256
REVIEW COPY
2005 Mazda Tribute(j14), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
264