2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE HEV cooling

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

Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation: Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your Hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
Since your engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may
seem elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral: It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in (N) Neutral for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Also, the engine cannot provide
power to the hybrid system in (N) Neutral.
Low Gear: Low gear (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. On long downhill grades, (L)
Low gear may produce high engine speeds to provide necessary engine
braking. This is normal and will not damage your vehicle. Response
during acceleration should be the same as in the (D) Drive position.
Reverse: (R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph (35
km/h).
Unique Hybrid operating characteristics
Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery: Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery cooling
system in the rear of the vehicle. A cool battery ensures battery life and
provides the best possible performance. Your hybrid high voltage battery
may periodically re-condition itself to ensure maximum efficiency. You
may notice slight changes in drivability during this process, but it’s an
important part of your Hybrid’s high voltage battery optimization
features.
You may hear a series of clicks from the cargo area when you first turn
the key in the ignition. This sound is the high voltage contactors closing
to allow you to start your hybrid.
In addition, you may hear fan noise and a slight tapping sound from the
rear as the vent door operates. This fan may continue to operate for
short durations after the vehicle has been turned off. These noises are a
customary part of hybrid operation and do not require service.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
7

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
What is the fan noise and slight
tapping sound I hear from the rear
of my hybrid? The fan noise comes from two fans
located inside the high voltage
battery. These fans turn on when
the battery requires cooling air.
The fan speed, and associated
noise level, will change according
to the amount of cooling required
to maintain good performance.
How far can I go in Electric Drive
if I run out of gas? Running out of gas is not
recommended. However, you may
be able to go about one mile,
driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if the
battery has a normal state of
charge.
What is the engine oil change
service interval? The engine oil should be changed
every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
under normal operating conditions.
See the
Scheduled maintenance
guide chapter.
Can I put E10 or E85 in my
vehicle, and how will it affect my
fuel economy? Your hybrid vehicle can use E10
(10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) fuel,
but you may notice slightly
reduced fuel economy because
ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid
vehicle is not designed to use E85
(85% ethanol).
How long will my high voltage
battery last? Does it need
maintenance? The high voltage battery system is
designed to last the life of the
vehicle and requires no
maintenance.
2008 Tribute Hybrid
(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
12

Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer to Engine oilin
the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.
Engine or motor electronic
coolant temperature: Illuminates
when the coolant temperature
exceeds the threshold. When the light is flashing or remains on, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolant in theMaintenance
and Specifications chapter.
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.
ABS active/Traction control™
active (if equipped): Flashes
when the ABS system is active. If
the light remains on, have the
system serviced immediately, refer
to the Driving chapter for more
information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
to Inspecting and Inflating Your Tires in theTires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to RUN, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System in theTires,
Wheels and Loading chapter.
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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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

For maximum cooling performance:
•Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
• Manual operation:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select
or.
3. Select
(recirculated air) to provide colder airflow.
4. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
5. Set highest fan setting initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
Make sure ECON mode is deactivated.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
WARNING: Do not place objects on top of the instrument
panel as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or
sudden stop.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
45

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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