Reasons given... Consider...
I have an airbagAirbags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags
are not designed to inflate in rear and
side crashes or rollovers.
I’d rather be thrown clearNot a good idea.Peoplewho are
ejected are 40 times more likely
to DIE.Safety belts help prevent
ejection, WE CAN’TPICK OUR
CRASH.
WARNING: Always wear the safety belt. Do not be tempted to
sit on top of the belt to fool police or to defeat the warning
system. The safety belt and safety belt warning system are
there to protect your life.
One time disable
If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles
the safety belt for that seating position, the BeltMinderis disabled for
the current ignition cycle. The BeltMinderfeature will enable during the
same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and remains buckled for
approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given for the one time
disable.
Deactivating/activating the BeltMinderfeature
The driver and front passenger BeltMinderare
deactivated/activated independently. When deactivating/activating
one seating position, do not buckle the other position as this will
terminate the process.
Read Steps1-4thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
The driver and front passenger BeltMinderfeatures can be
deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that:
•The parking brake is set
•The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
•The gearshift is in N (Neutral) (manual transmission)
•The ignition switch is in the OFF position
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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.
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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
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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).
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•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability
and causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been
submerged in water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water. Water entering these areas, while connected, could
short-circuit the system.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
An example of “recreational towing” is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transaxle equipped, with a 4x2 (front-wheel
drive only) configured powertrain, “recreational towing” is permitted by
trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This protects the
transmission’s internal mechanical components from potential lack of
lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transaxle equipped and 4WD (all-wheel
drive), “recreational towing” is permitted only if the vehicle is trailered
with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise, no “recreational
towing” is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transaxle equipped and 2WD or 4WD, shifting
the transaxle into neutral permits “flat-towing” (all wheels on the
ground) for pulling behind a motorhome. Your vehicle, with well
designed towing equipment, may be towed up to a speed of 113 km/h
(70 mph) but you should always obey local speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer toWrecker towingin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
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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
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ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate
momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking brake handle
up as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
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.
!
BRAKE
!
BRAKE
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a
fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly.
Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, carefully pry out the small,
round, tethered Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) cover cap located to the
right of the gearshift lever.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the
access hole and press downward
while pulling the gearshift lever
out of the P (Park) position and
into the N (Neutral) position.
4. Remove tool and reinstall BTSI tethered cover cap.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
P
R
N
D
2
1
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