Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 14
Warning and control lights 14
Gauges 19
Entertainment Systems 21
AM/FM stereo with single CD 21
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 25
Climate Controls 32
Manual heating and air conditioning 32
Lights 34
Headlamps 34
Turn signal control 37
Bulb replacement 39
Driver Controls 45
Windshield wiper/washer control 45
Steering wheel adjustment 46
Power windows 49
Mirrors 50
Traction control 51
Locks and Security 58
Keys 58
Locks 58
Anti-theft system 65
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Seating and Safety Restraints 70
Seating 70
Safety restraints 79
Airbags 95
Child restraints 111
Tires, Wheels and Loading 123
Tire Information 126
Tire Inflation 127
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 140
Vehicle loading 146
Trailer towing 153
Recreational towing 158
Driving 159
Starting 159
Brakes 163
Transmission operation 168
Roadside Emergencies 184
Hazard flasher switch 184
Fuses and relays 185
Changing tires 191
Lug Nut Torque 203
Overheating 203
Jump starting 204
Wrecker towing 210
Customer Assistance 212
Cleaning 223
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GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
NOTE:This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not
the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge
indication will not be accurate.
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Instrument Cluster
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MANUAL HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM
1.A/C:Press to activate A/C. The
indicator light will illuminate to
indicate A/C is functioning.
2.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
3.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in
the vehicle. See the following
for a brief description on each
control.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and the floor
vents.
OFF:The fan will not operate.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents.
4.Fan speed and recirculated/outside air control:Turned to the
right, controls the volume of outside air coming into the vehicle.
Turned to the left, recirculates air through the instrument panel
registers. This mode is more economical and efficient. May reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
5.Rear defroster:Press to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog.
The indicator light will illuminate when the rear defroster is
activated. Ensure that the ignition is in the 3 (RUN) position to
operate. The defroster turns off automatically after 15 minutes or
when the ignition is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position. To manually
turn off the defroster before 15 minutes have passed, push the
control again.
WARNING: Extended operation of the climate control system
in a recirculated air mode may lead to a reduction in air quality
in the cabin. The air in the cabin should be periodically
refreshed by selecting settings other than recirculated air.
1
2
5
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Climate Controls
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1. Power point
2. Cupholders
3. Utility compartment
4. Ash cup (if equipped)
WARNING: Use only soft cups
in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)
WARNING: Power outlets are
designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not insert any other
object in the power outlet as
this will damage the outlet and
blow the fuse. Do not hang any
type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not
covered by your warranty.
The auxiliary power point is located on the center console in front of the
gearshift.
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Cigarette/Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
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Driver Controls
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Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 1 (LOCK), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine
still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel. When the engine starts, release the key, then release
the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized dealer inspect and fix your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and result in accident or death.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
•the vehicle is raised for service.
•the sound of the exhaust system changes.
•the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least once inch (2.5 cm).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
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Driving
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
•4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
•Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
•Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
•Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop
any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
•Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other
vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one
of the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of
the wheels. Use a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a
steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet
continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to
travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the
squeeze technique. Since your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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Driving
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WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
lb.ft. N•m
M12 x 1.5 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Mazda recommended replacement fasteners.
WARNING: When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake
drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any
fasteners that attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they
do not interfere with the mounting surfaces of the wheel.
Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen
and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion,
resulting in loss of control.
OVERHEATING
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you experience
power loss, you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
If this happens:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift the automatic transmission into P (Park) or the manual
transmission into the neutral position, and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
WARNING: Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The
escaping steam could seriously burn you. Open the hood ONLY
after steam is no longer escaping from the engine.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or
from the engine compartment.
2006 Tribute(j14)
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USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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