2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE warning

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
• Be sure to locate all the warnings supplied by the trailer rental or
sales company and study the unique requirements of each trailer you
intend to tow.
• Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
“Scheduled Maintenance” section of this manual.
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
to Vehicle loading in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
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4x4
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
Engine Maximum GCWR - lb.(kg) Trailer Weight
Range - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area of trailer - ft
2
(m2)
2.3L
w/automatic
transmission 5140 (2331) 1500 (680) 24 (2.2)
3.0L
w/automatic
transmission 7200 (3266) 3500 (1588) 30 (2.8)
Notes: For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle Loadingin this
chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
The Tribute is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Tribute vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in:
• engine damage
• transmission damage
• structural damage
• loss of control
• personal injury
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized Mazda dealer.
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Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type brakes, if compatible with the
vehicle, are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations. WARNING: Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. See your authorized Mazda
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
• Keep your speed no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 km) of towing a trailer, and don’t make full throttle
starts.
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition 1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever and steering column and allows
key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits operational and warning lights
will illuminate. This is the
position the key is in when you’re driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
Note: This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding
against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
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WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your authorized dealer inspect your vehicle immediately.
Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their seat belts. For more information on seat belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is
set.
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•Make sure the gearshift is in
P (Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
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Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without turning the key to
4 (START). If there is difficulty
in turning the key, rotate the
steering wheel until the key
turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 1 (LOCK), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine
still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it will have a computer
assisted cranking system. This feature assists in starting the engine. If
the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized dealer inspect and fix your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and result in accident or death.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.
• the sound of the exhaust system changes.
• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
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WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least once inch (2.5 cm).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
Note: Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters.
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