Introduction4
Instrument Cluster 20
Warning lights and chimes 20
Gauges 25
Entertainment Systems27
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 35
Satellite radio information 38
Navigation system 41
Climate Controls 42
Dual automatic temperature control 42
Rear window defroster 46
Lights47
Headlamps 47
Turn signal control 51
Bulb replacement 53
Driver Controls58
Windshield wiper/washer control 58
Steering wheel adjustment 59
Power windows 64
Mirrors 65
Cruise control 69
Moon roof 73
Message center 74
Locks and Security86
Keys 86
Locks 87
Anti-theft system 93
Table of Contents
1
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Drive your new vehicle at least 500 miles (800 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oilin the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.
HYBRID OPERATION
The Hybrid is a whole new kind of SUV that combines electric and
gasoline propulsion without compromise, to provide breakthrough
performance and efficiency. It requires no special fuels and never has to
be plugged in. Familiarizing yourself with these unique characteristics
will help ensure optimal performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting: Turn the ignition key to the START position while your vehicle
is in Park (P). The gas engine will turn on, accompanied by the green
“ready indicator” light. Your engine may shut off shortly after starting,
depending on temperature and battery charge level. This is a natural
part of your Hybrid’s fuel-saving features. The “ready indicator” light will
stay on, and you do not need to restart the vehicle.
Note: You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin for
occupant comfort.
Driving: The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
• Driving request for moderate to rapid acceleration
• Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 kph)
• Ascending a hill
• ECON mode not selected (while Climate Control is ON)
• Selection of climate control defrost mode or defrost/floor mode
• Charge level of high voltage battery is low
• Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
6
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.
Climate Control: Your hybrid is equipped with an “ECON” button that
offers a more fuel efficient operation of your automatic temperature
control system.
When activated, the “ECON” feature allows the engine to shut down at
low speeds or when your vehicle is stopped.
If cooler temperature is desired, the “ECON” button can be turned off,
for better interior cooling but lower fuel economy.
The “ECON” mode turns itself off when you select defrost or
defrost/floor mode, although on cold days, you may still experience
engine shut-down while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Drive Habits: Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy
required to move your vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is
achieved with mild to moderate acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the
energy captured by the regenerative braking system.
NOTE: Having your engine running is not always an indication of
inefficiency – in some cases it is actually more efficient than driving in
electric mode.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag
• Observe posted speed limits
• Perform all scheduled maintenance
• There is no need to wait for your engine to “warm up”. The vehicle is
ready to drive immediately after starting
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
9
QuestionAnswer
Why does my engine never shut
down above 40 mph (64 km/h)? The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transaxle hardware.
Why does my engine stay ON
when it’s extremely cold outside? In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating
the cabin and/or defrosting the
windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain
the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine rev up so
high sometimes when I accelerate? Your vehicle’s engine and
transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. This
may be higher than expected
during heavy accelerations, and
may fluctuate during steady state
driving. These are characteristics
of the Atkinson engine cycle and
the eCVT transaxle technology
that help maximize your hybrid’s
fuel economy.
What does it mean when my
power assist gauge moves to the
right? To the left? Electricity is coming out of the
battery when the gauge moves to
the right. Electricity is going into
the battery when the gauge moves
to the left.
2008 Tribute Hybrid
(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
11
Climate controls(pg. 42) Audio system
(pg. 27)
Auxiliary input jack (pg. 35)
Auxiliary power point (pg. 61)
*if equipped
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
19
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL1. AUTO/Driver temperature: Press to engage full automatic
operation. The system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow
distribution, A/C on or off, and outside or recirculated air, to heat or
cool the vehicle to reach the desired temperature. Turn to
increase/decrease the temperature on the driver side of the vehicle.
The control also adjusts the passenger side temperature when PASS
TEMP is disengaged. The recommended initial setting is between
72°F (22°C) and 75°F (24°C), then adjust for comfort. The driver
side temperature setting will appear in the upper left corner of the
display. The engine may run continuously to provide A/C operation
unless ECON mode is selected. Selecting ECON mode affects A/C
operation. Refer to ECON information later in this section.
2.
RRear defroster: Press to activate/deactivate the rear window
defroster. Refer to Rear window defroster later in this chapter for
more information.
3.
Defrost: Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
vents and demister vents. Can be used to clear the windshield of fog
and thin ice. The system will automatically provide outside air to
reduce window fogging. On days where the outside temperature is
approximately freezing or higher, the engine will run continuously in
this mode. Press this button again to return to the previous air flow
selection or press AUTO to return to automatic operation.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
42
4.Defrost/Floor:Distributes air through the windshield defroster
vents, demister vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents. The
system will automatically provide outside air to reduce window
fogging. On days where the outside temperature is approximately
freezing or higher, the engine will run continuously in this mode.
5.
Power/: Press to activate/deactivate the climate control
system. When the system is off, outside air is shut out. Turn to
manually increase/decrease the fan speed. The manual fan speed
setting will appear on the left side of the display. To return to
automatic fan operation, press AUTO.
6.
Panel: Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
7.
Panel/Floor: Distributes air through the instrument panel
vents, demister vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents.
8.
Floor: Distributes air through the demister vents, floor vents
and rear seat floor vents.
9. Passenger temperature: Press to engage/disengage separate
passenger side temperature control. Turn to increase/decrease the
temperature on the passenger side of the vehicle. The recommended
initial setting is between 72°F (22°C) and 75°F (24°C), then adjust
for comfort. The passenger side temperature setting will appear in
the upper right corner of the display.
10.
Passenger heated seat control (if equipped): Press to
activate/deactivate the passenger heated seat. See Heated seatsin
the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
11.
Recirculated air: Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount
of time needed to cool down the interior of the vehicle, may reduce
the energy needed to keep the interior of the vehicle cool, and may
also help reduce undesired outside odors from reaching the interior
of the vehicle. Recirculated air is controlled automatically when
AUTO is selected or can be engaged manually in any airflow mode
except
(defrost). Recirculated air may turn off automatically in
some airflow modes to reduce window fogging potential. When the
ignition switch is turned off and back on, the climate system will
return to the recirculated air mode only if the A/C button LED is
illuminated and the air distribution selection is either
AUTO,
(panel) or(panel/floor).
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
43
12.ECON: Press to activate/deactivate economy air conditioning
operation. ECON mode may provide improved fuel economy by
preventing the gasoline engine from running for the sole purpose of
providing A/C. When the gas engine turns off, the A/C compressor
does not operate to cool the cabin and comfort may be reduced. In
ECON mode, A/C operates as normal when the gasoline engine is
running. To prioritize cooling comfort over fuel economy, deactivate
ECON. ECON can not be selected in
(defrost) or
(floor/defrost).
13. A/C: Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency.
Engages automatically in AUTO,
(defrost)
and
(floor/defrost). Selecting ECON mode affects A/C operation.
Refer to ECON information previously in this section.
14.
Driver heated seat control (if equipped): Press to
activate/adjective the driver heated seat. See Heated seatsin the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
Outside temperature: The outside temperature will appear in the
display and is labeled EXT TEMP.
Temperature conversion: To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer to Setup menu in theMessage center section of theDriver
Controls chapter.
Operating tips
• To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
• To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats by blocking the air from the rear seat floor
vents.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
• To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
44