Maintenance and Specifications247
Engine compartment 250
Engine oil 253
Battery 256
Engine Coolant and Motor/Electronics Coolant 258
Fuel information 264
Air filter(s) 278
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 281
Engine data 283
Accessories 286
Service Maintenance Section 287
Normal scheduled maintenance and log 292
Special operating conditions and log 299
Index303
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from MNAO. MNAO may change the contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2007 MNAO
Table of Contents
3
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
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
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
20
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
21
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
23
Battery gauge:Provides
information about the vehicle’s
energy usage.
• ASSIST — Battery provides extra
power to boost the vehicle’s
acceleration.
• CHARGE — Storing extra energy in the battery when coasting or
slowing down.
Odometer: Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle.
Refer to Message Center in the
Driver Controls chapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to
English.
Trip odometer: Registers the miles
(kilometers) of individual journeys.
To reset, press and release the
message center INFO button until
TRIP A mode appears in the display.
Press the control again to select the
TRIP B feature. Press and hold the RESET button to reset.
Tachometer: Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
The pointer will indicate engine
RPMs when the engine is running
and point at the EV symbol when
the engine is off and the vehicle is running on pure electrical power.
Fuel gauge: Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
Refer to Filling the tank in the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
26