Page 248 of 312
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
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 257 of 312

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
257
Page 275 of 312

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Check fluid levels with the ignition
in the RUN position. Fluid levels
between the “MIN” and “MAX” lines
are within the normal operating
range; there is no need to add fluid.
If the fluid levels are outside of the
normal operating range the
performance of your brake system could be compromised; seek service
from your authorized dealer immediately.
Brake pad replacement information
The Regenerative Braking System checks the integrity of the brake
system at times when the vehicle is parked. This is done by developing
brake pressure for short periods of time. In order to change the brake
pads, it is necessary to enter the Pad Service Mode. This will prevent
brake pressure from being applied.
To enter the Pad Service Mode, perform the following with the vehicle
stationary:1. Place the vehicle in Park and turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Turn the ignition OFF, then ON three times and then release the brake pedal. The total time elapsed for the three ignition cycles and
brake release must be less than 3 seconds.
The brake warning lamp will:
• flash as stored hydraulic pressure is released.
• remain illuminated once the pressure is completely released.
• flash if the brake is applied.
To exit the Pad Service Mode: 1. Apply the brake pedal and turn the ignition OFF then ON. This will cause brake pressure to be developed within the brake system. Once
brake pressure is developed, the brake warning light will turn off.
2. The Pad Service Mode will also be exited if the gear shift lever is moved from the (P) Park position, the vehicle is moved (wheels
rotate) or the ignition is turned OFF.
MAX
MIN
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
275
Page 276 of 312

Note:The brake system on this vehicle can only be bled at a authorized
dealer.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission (eCVT)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance information chapter for
scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not
consume fluid. It is designed to be filled for life. However, the fluid level
should be checked if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake
pedal, turn the key to the
ACCESSORY position but do not
start the engine. Turn the wheel
to the left to gain access to the
check plug.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and make sure that the engine is OFF by placing the ignition in the Lock position.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276
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
Page 285 of 312

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) /
Restraint System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label . The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission, eCVT H
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT:
XX RC: XXDSO:
WB BRK INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR XXXXX
XXX X XX X XX X XX \
XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXX-XXXXXXX-XX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN
EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
TYPE: XXX XXXXX
DATE: XX/XX GVWR:XXXXXLB/ XXXXXKG
FRONT GAWR: XXXXL REAR GAWR: XXXXLB
AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD AT XXX kPa/XX PSI COLD XXXXKG
WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXX TIRES
XXXX.XX RIMSXXXXKG
WITH
XXXX/XXXXXXX TIRES
XXXX.XX RIMS
FOR MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285