GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)– is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door.
The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING: Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification
Label vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or
structural damage, serious damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load ofMFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT:XXRC: XXDSO:
WB BRK INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR XXXXX
XXX X XX X XX X XX XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXX-XXXXXXX-XX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
VIN:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
TYPE: XXX XXXXX DATE: XX/XX GVWR:XXXXXLB/ XXXXXKG
FRONT GAWR: XXXXL REAR GAWR: XXXXLB
AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD XXXXKG WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXXTIRES
XXXX.XXRIMSXXXXKG WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXXTIRES
XXXX.XXRIMS
FOR MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
150
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehicle
section in theDrivingchapter of thisOwner’s Guide.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles may handle differently than
unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Be sure to locate all the warnings supplied by the trailer rental or
sales company and study the unique requirements of each trailer you
intend to tow.
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
“Scheduled Maintenance” section of this manual.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500
miles (800 km).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
153
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
4x2
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
Engine Maximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Trailer Weight
Range - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m2)
2.3L w/manual
transmission4860 (2204) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
2.3L
w/automatic
transmission4940 (2241) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
3.0L
w/automatic
transmission7080 (3211 ) 3500 (1588) 30 (2.8)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle Loadingin this
chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
The Tribute is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Tribute vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
154
4x4
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
Engine Maximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Trailer Weight
Range - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m2)
2.3L w/manual
transmission5040 (2286) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
2.3L
w/automatic
transmission5100 (2313) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
3.0L
w/automatic
transmission7240 (3284) 3500 (1588) 30 (2.8)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle Loadingin this
chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
The Tribute is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Tribute vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in:
•engine damage
•transmission damage
•structural damage
•loss of control
•personal injury
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
155
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance” section
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
157
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the
electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.
3. ON, all electrical circuits
operational. Warning lights
illuminated. Key position when
driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
Note:This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding
against exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
159
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your authorized dealer inspect your vehicle immediately.
Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
P
R
N
D
2
1
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
160
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will
return to 3 (RUN).
2. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake, shift into gear
and drive.
2006 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
161