TRANSAXLE
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 
Transaxle
Transaxle
Automatic transaxle*
Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it must 
be in Park to remove ignition key
P = Park
To move gearshift from Park: 
You must press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition 
must be in the ON position
R = Reverse
Never engage Reverse when 
vehicle is moving
N = Neutral
No gear is engaged; vehicle can
roll freely, even on a slight incline,
unless the brakes are applied
D  (Overdrive)
For normal driving: Transaxle shifts
through four forward gears
Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and
can feel like an additional gear
1 2 D
N R P
1
Manual 
transaxle
Depress clutch 
pedal completely 
to start engine and
change gears
Stop vehicle completely before 
shifting into reverseFour wheel drive (4WD) 
system*†Your Tribute is equipped with a
4WD system that is always active
and requires no driver input,
Tribute’s intelligent 4WD system
monitors vehicle conditions and
will automatically adjust power
distribution between front and
rear wheels, the 4WD system is
capable of highway, off-road and
winter road conditionsDuring some extreme 
off-road events the 4WD 
system may go into heat 
protection mode (locked 
mode), this will help protect 
the system, to exit heat 
protection mode, stop vehicle 
and let it cool down with 
engine running D  (Overdrive Off)
Press the overdrive switch (1) to 
disengage overdrive; an indicator
light on the instrument panel 
will illuminate
2 = Second
Place the gearshift lever in second
when accelerating on slippery
roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades
1 = First
Provides maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades
*Denotes optional equipment†See Owner’s Manual