2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE HEV ECU

Understanding the gearshift positions of the
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT)
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
• Release the parking brake
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
193

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral)
position.
The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N (Neutral)
position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for extended periods as
this will discharge your high voltage battery.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
• The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.
WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off
the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your
vehicle unattended while it is running. If you do not take these
precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in
this chapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent 4WD System that
continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
194

Stopping and securing the vehicle1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the
hazard flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn engine off.
Removing the jack and tools
The jack and tools are located in the
right rear of the cargo area behind
an access panel.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
213

Stowing the jack and tools
Make sure the jack is fully lowered
and reclip the tools onto the jack.
Reinstall the jack and tools in the cargo area. To replace the jack in the
vehicle,
•guide the jack bottom first in the
trim opening and position in the
bracket (3),
• secure the retention clip on the
upper part of the jack (2), and
• close the thumbscrew (1).
Make sure the jack is fastened so it
does not rattle when you drive.
Stowing the flat/spare tire
Note: Failure to follow spare tire stowage instructions may result in
failure of cable or loss of spare tire.
If you are stowing a tire that requires reattaching it to the
vehicle with a tether, perform these steps first, then proceed with
the steps following.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
219

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 sizeWheel lug nut torque*
lb.ft. N•m
M12 x 1.5 100135
* 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.
Note: Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
221

1. High voltage connector shield
2. Service Disconnect
3. High voltage battery case
Working with the engine off 1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on 1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
1
2
3
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
248

OPENING THE HOOD1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel.
2. At the front of the vehicle, lift up on the auxiliary latch handle
located in the center between
the hood and the grille.
3. Lift the hood open and secure it with the prop rod.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
249

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
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