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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.
HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE. Displayed when the motor
electronics are overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine and let it cool. Refer to Engine coolant and
motor/electronics coolant in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED. Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
XXX MILES TO EMPTY FUEL LEVEL LOW. Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
LIFTGATE/GLASS AJAR. Displayed when the liftgate or liftgate glass
is not completely closed. Press RESET to reset display.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM. Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID. Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer to Brake fluid
reservoir in theMaintenance and Specifications chapter.
REGEN BRAKES DISABLED. Indicates the regenerative braking
system is disabled at this moment. Please see your authorized dealer if
this warning remains present over several days.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE. Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer to Inflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT. Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT. Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 184 of 312

3. Turn the key to 3 (RUN)without turning the key to 4
(START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the vehicle
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without turning the key to 4
(START). If there is difficulty in
turning the key, rotate the
steering wheel until the key
turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then release the key. After the
vehicle has been started, a
vehicle symbol (called the
Ready Indicator Light) will
appear in the instrument cluster
to indicate the vehicle is on. This indicator will remain on while the
vehicle is on, whether the engine is running or not, to indicate the
vehicle is capable of movement (using its electric motor, engine, or
both).
Note: After starting the vehicle, the engine may stop running to
conserve fuel after it is warmed-up and the high voltage battery is
sufficiently charged.
Note: If the vehicle does not start, put the gearshift lever into P (Park),
turn the ignition off, then attempt to start the vehicle again. If the
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
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WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When
working near the battery, always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If
acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
If the battery is disconnected, the Regenerative Braking System will need
to relearn the initial brake pedal position. After reconnecting the battery,
slowly depress and release the brake pedal one time.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process: 1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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