2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE HEV heating

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
190

A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case of
emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “COLD FILL RANGE”. For all other vehicles, which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic
bottle). Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins
to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see above), to within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD”
level on the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow
system, fill the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is
almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration.
Refer to the Checking engine coolant section. If the concentration is
not 50/50 (protection to –34° F [–36° C]), drain some coolant and adjust
the concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a
50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage).
Recycled engine coolant
Mazda Motor Corporation does NOT recommend the use of recycled
engine coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Mazda Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Mazda-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C ]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263

Mazda strongly recommends the use of genuine Mazda replacement
parts. Parts other than Mazda or Mazda authorized remanufactured parts
that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Mazda Motor Corporation parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Information Booklet for complete warranty
information.
Non-Mazda approved chemicals or additives are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Mazda Motor Corporation
recommends against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Mazda for a particular application.
Oil, fluids and flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your Mazda Dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be
changed at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair.
Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems
during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only
with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and operate the
system, or using a Mazda-approved flushing chemical.
Engine Emissions label
Emissions information appears on the Engine Emissions label on the
underside of the hood. This decal identifies engine displacement and
provides certain engine specifications.
Any modification of the emissions control system could create liability
under federal law (U.S.) if made prior to sale and registration, under the
laws of some states if made thereafter. Further, federal law prohibits
vehicle manufacturers, dealers and other persons engaged in the
business of repairing, servicing, selling, leasing or trading motor vehicles
as well as fleet operations from knowingly removing or rendering an
emissions control system inoperative after sale and delivery to an
ultimate purchaser. In Canada, modifications of the emissions control
system could create liability under applicable federal or provincial laws.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
288

Genuine Mazda Parts and Service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your Mazda
dealership for all your vehicle’s needs.
Get the most from your service and maintenance visits
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your Mazda Dealership for all
your service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running
great.
Convenience
Many Dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Mazda service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your Dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Factory Authorized Systems Checks
In the event your vehicle experiences a component related concern,
please contact your Mazda dealership. The Mazda Motor Corporation
Trained Technicians who work at Mazda dealerships are specifically
trained to understand your vehicle.
A proper repair begins with a thorough system check. Factory
Authorized Systems Checks can ONLY be found at a Mazda dealership. In
some circumstances, the Technician may need to request your
authorization to perform additional operations to determine the final
diagnosis. The Technician’s goal is to ensure that your vehicle is fixed
right the first time, at the best value to you.
The following list represents several of the Factory Authorized Systems
Checks available at participating Mazda Dealerships:
•Climate Control
• Check Engine Light
• All Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive
• Automatic Transmission
• Engine Cooling/Cabin Heating
• Suspension/Steering
• Charge/Start/Battery
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
289

waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................243
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............42
Compass, electronic ....................66 calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................66
Console ........................................60
Controls power seat .................................99
steering column ........................72
Coolant checking and adding ......258–260
refill capacities ................263, 281
specifications ..........................281
Cruise control .............................69
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................69
Customer
Assistance ..................231–232, 235
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................49
Dipstick automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................276
engine oil .................................253
Driving under special
conditions ..................194, 196, 199 sand .........................................197
snow and ice ...........................200
through water .................198, 201
E
Electronic message center .........74 Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..................222, 227
Emission control system ..........272
Engine ........................................283 cleaning ...................................243
idle speed control ...................256
lubrication specifications .......281
refill capacities ........................281
service points ..........................250
Engine oil ..................................253 checking and adding ..............253
dipstick ....................................253
filter, specifications ................255
recommendations ...................255
refill capacities ........................281
specifications ..........................281
Event data recording ..................14
Exhaust fumes ..........................185
F
Fluid capacities .........................281
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles driving off road .......................195
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................190
Fuel ............................................264 calculating fuel
economy ............................75, 269
cap ...........................................266
capacity ...................................281
choosing the right fuel ...........267
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................271
detergent in fuel .....................268
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................264, 266, 269
filter, specifications ................264
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
304

fuel pump/high voltage
shut-off switches ....................202
improving fuel economy ........269
octane rating ...................268, 283
quality ......................................268
running out of fuel .................268
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................264
Fuses ..................................204–205
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............266
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................269
Gauges .........................................25
H
Hazard flashers .........................202
Head restraints ...................97, 101
Headlamps ...................................47 aiming ........................................50
bulb specifications ....................53
daytime running lights .............49
flash to pass ..............................49
high beam .................................49
replacing bulbs .........................54
turning on and off ....................47
Heating heating and air conditioning
system .......................................42
Hood ..........................................249
I
Ignition ...............................182, 283
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................139 Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................274
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................245
cluster ........................................20
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................50
location of components ............20
J
Jump-starting your
vehicle ................................222, 227
K
Keys .......................................86, 94 positions of the ignition .........182
L
Lamps bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................53
daytime running light ...............49
fog lamps ...................................48
headlamps .................................47
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....50
interior lamps .....................52–54
replacing bulbs .........................54
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................51
Liftgate ..................................82, 89
Lights, warning and indicator ....20 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........188
Load limits .................................170
Loading instructions .................176
Locks childproof ..................................87
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
305