2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE HEV ignition

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

Frequently asked questions
QuestionAnswer
What is the pumping sound I hear
when I unlock or enter the vehicle,
and the venting sound a few
minutes after shutting off my
vehicle? This is the hydraulic portion of
your regenerative braking system
pressurizing and depressurizing.
You may also hear it occasionally
after pressing the brake pedal.
What are the series of clicks from
the cargo area when I first turn
the key in the ignition? The high voltage battery is
electrically isolated from the rest
of the vehicle when the key is
OFF. When the key is turned ON,
high voltage contactors inside the
battery are closed to make the
electricity available to the
motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the
sound of these contactors as they
close and open during start up and
shut down.
Why does the engine always start
at key-on? Your engine is started at key-on
because the emission components
need to be warm in order to
minimize tailpipe emissions, and in
cooler climates for cabin heating
and windshield defrost
performance.
After I start my car in the
morning, why does it take a long
time before the engine shuts
down? There are several reasons the
engine stays on for an extended
amount of time when it is first
started. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions
components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the
climate gets cooler, this
“engine-ON” time is extended.
2008 Tribute Hybrid
(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
10

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a safety hazard or a vehicle
condition that may become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A
warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your
vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your
vehicle to make sure the bulbs work. If any light remains on after
starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for
additional information.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the Service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the Service
engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing in theMaintenance and Specifications chapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On
board diagnostics (OBD-II) in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components,
possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap: Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on, refer to Fuel filler cap in the
Maintenance and Specification chapter.
Brake system warning light: To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position (when the engine is not running), or in a position between RUN
and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned
to the RUN position. If the brake system warning light does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized
dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by
your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the
vehicle. Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can
cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system: If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to RUN, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Seat belt: Reminds you to fasten
your seat belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your seat belt. Refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder chime feature.
Master vehicle electrical hazard
warning lamp: Indicates Hybrid
component fault/failure that will
cause the vehicle to shutdown or
fail to start.
WARNING: If the vehicle is still running, the vehicle may soon
shutdown without further warning and should be stopped safely.
If this lamp is lit, stop the vehicle, shift to P (Park), turn the key to the
Off position, and attempt to restart the vehicle. If the fault remains, the
vehicle may require refueling, jump starting, resetting of the shut-off
switches, or service. For information regarding Low voltage
[underhood] battery only) andFuel pump/High voltage shut-off
switches please refer to the Roadside Emergencies chapter.
Ready indicator light: Illuminates
once the vehicle has successfully
started. Indicates the vehicle is
ready to drive even when you don’t
hear the engine running.
Charging system: Illuminates when
the 12V charging system is not
working properly.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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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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Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer to Fuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control: Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Anti-theft system: Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle control/Powertrain:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
has been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Door ajar: Illuminates when the
ignition is in the RUN position and
any door is open.
Turn signal: Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams: Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake ON chime: Sounds when the parking brake is left ON
and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is
off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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