Page 250 of 312
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.3L I4 engine1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Motor/Electronics (M/E) coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Power distribution box
6. Low Voltage (underhood) battery
7. Engine air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
250
Page 253 of 312

To replace the wiper blade:1. Grab the wiper arm just below the blade attachment and pull it
as far away from the glass as
possible. Do not use excessive
force because it can break the
wiper arm at the heel. Hold it
there until the next step.
2. Grab the wiper blade with your other hand and use your fingers
to push the wiper arm tip
through the wiper blade center
to separate the blade from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too
difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253
Page 254 of 312
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove itagain.
• If the oil level is within the MIN and MAX marks or the lower and
upper holes, the oil level is acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
• If the oil level is below the MIN mark or the lower hole, engine oil
must be added to raise the level within the normal operating range.
• If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer to Adding engine oil
in this chapter.
• Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the MAX
mark or upper hole may cause engine damage. If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil 1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254
Page 255 of 312

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add onlycertified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the FULL mark on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Mazda SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Mazda specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Mazda warranty.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255
Page 256 of 312

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed inscheduled maintenance information.
When changing the oil filter on the 2.3L engine you must also replace
the filter cap O-ring. The oil filter drain plug O-ring must also be
replaced whenever the oil filter drain plug is removed. Reuse of the
O-rings may cause engine oil leakage and may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to the
engine if the O-rings are not replaced.
Mazda production and aftermarket (Mazda) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Mazda material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Mazda oil filter or another
with equivalent performance for your engine application.
LOW VOLTAGE (UNDERHOOD) BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner (e.g. spot lights, electric
winch, etc.) may adversely affect vehicle performance and
durability.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256
Page 260 of 312

Checking motor/electronics (M/E) coolant
The M/E coolant reservoir is located
behind the engine coolant reservoir.
Refer to the following engine
coolant sections for all information,
instructions and warnings related to
cooling systems. The two systems
use the same coolant and operate
similarly, with the Motor and
Electronics system generally
operating at a lower temperature
and pressure. The fluid levels in
both reservoirs need to be
maintained. When the engine is
cold, check the level of M/E coolant
in the reservoir.
Factory fill and coolant specifications
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
• Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
• Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
Common instructions for cooling systems
• The engine coolant should be at the “FULL COLD” level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).
• Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for service interval
schedules.
• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your
vehicle in this chapter.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260
Page 271 of 312

•Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures.
• Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Keep wheels properly aligned.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
• Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271
Page 281 of 312
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
ItemCapacityMazda Part Name or
equivalent Application
Brake fluid Between MIN and
MAX lines on reservoir High Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid Brake fluid reservoir
Engine coolant 8.5 quarts (8.0L) Mazda Premium Engine
Coolant
1
Cooling systems
Motor/Electronics (M/E)
Coolant 3.7 quarts (3.5L)
Engine oil 4.5 quarts (4.25L) SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil Engine
Automatic eCVT transaxle fluid 5.3 quarts (5.0L)
2
MERCON
VATF
3
Transaxle
Rear axle fluid (4WD) 2.96 pints (1.4L)
4
API service GL-5 SAE 80W-90
5
Rear axle
Power Transfer Unit fluid (4WD)
6
12 ounces (0.35L) API service GL-5
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Lubricant Power transfer unit
Windshield washer fluid 2.7 quarts (2.6L) Ultra-clear Windshield
Washer Concentrate Washer fluid reservoir
2008 Tribute Hybrid
(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281