2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE transmission

Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability
and causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been
submerged in water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water. Water entering these areas, while connected, could
short-circuit the system.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
An example of “recreational towing” is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transaxle equipped, with a 4x2 (front-wheel
drive only) configured powertrain, “recreational towing” is permitted by
trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This protects the
transmission’s internal mechanical components from potential lack of
lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transaxle equipped and 4WD (all-wheel
drive), “recreational towing” is permitted only if the vehicle is trailered
with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise, no “recreational
towing” is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transaxle equipped and 2WD or 4WD, shifting
the transaxle into neutral permits “flat-towing” (all wheels on the
ground) for pulling behind a motorhome. Your vehicle, with well
designed towing equipment, may be towed up to a speed of 113 km/h
(70 mph) but you should always obey local speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer to Wrecker towingin theRoadside
Emergencies chapter.
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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: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system provides stability
enhancement features such as Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TCS) for certain driving
situations. The system includes an on/off button, and a “sliding car” icon
in the instrument cluster.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
ESC system performs a system self-check. During ESC system operation
you may experience the following:
• A rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving
off
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The ESC system indicator light will flash when the system is activated.
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
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PREPARING TO DRIVE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with
a lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure
to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at
slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing
for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle. Over loading or loading the vehicle improperly can
deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a
fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly.
Refer to Fuses and relays in theRoadside Emergencies chapter.
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If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, carefully pry out the small
Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) cover cap
located to the right of the
gearshift lever.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool straight down into the
access hole and press downward
while pulling the gearshift lever
out of the P (Park) position and
into the N (Neutral) position.
4. Remove tool and reinstall the BTSI cover cap.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
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This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
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