2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE Owners Manual (in English)

Traction Control
Traction Control helps your vehicle maintain traction, when driving on
slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel
spin. Excessive wheel spin is controlled by momentarily reducing engine
power and/or applying the anti-lock brakes. Traction Control is a driver
aid that helps your vehicle.
If your vehicle should become stuck in deep snow or mud, try switching
the ESC system off by pressing the ESC button momentarily. This will
allow your tires to “dig” for traction.
If the ESC system is activated excessively in a short period of time, the
brake portion of the system will disable to allow the brakes to cool down.
In this situation, Traction Control will use only engine power reduction to
help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled
down, the system will again function normally. Anti-lock braking, RSC
and DSC are not affected by this condition and will function normally
during the cool-down period.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand,
switching off the ESC system may be beneficial so the wheels are
allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while driving
in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the ESC stability
enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance
momentum through the obstacle.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon in the instrument
cluster will flash momentarily.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may enhance your vehicle’s
stability during adverse maneuvers.
The ESC system helps the driver maintain steering control. ESC will
attempt to correct the vehicle motion by applying brake force at
individual tires and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
During Dynamic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily.
Driving maneuvers which may activate ESC system include:
• Taking a turn too fast.
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle.
• Driving over a patch of ice.
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road.
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•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa.
• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa.
• Driving on slick surfaces.
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer
towing in theTires, Wheels and Loading chapter.)
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
The RSC system works in conjunction with the ESC system to help
maintain roll stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by
applying brake force to one or more wheels.
During Roll Stability Control (RSC) events the “sliding car” icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily.
Driving conditions that may activate ESC include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) button and icon functionality
The ESC system automatically turns on each time the engine is started,
even if it was turned off when the engine was last shut down. The
“sliding car” icon which is located with the warning lights in the
instrument cluster will illuminate during bulb check at initial start-up and
then go off. This tells you that the system is normal and active. All
functions of the ESC system (RSC, DSC, and TCS) will be activated at
start up. When the system is left active, the “sliding car” icon will flash
only when any of the components of the system are affecting the
vehicle’s performance, otherwise the light will remain off. Consequently,
the “sliding car” icon will not be illuminated during most of your normal
driving.
The ESC button, located on the
center stack of the instrument
panel, allows the driver to control
certain features of the ESC system
below 25 mph (40 km/h). If the
vehicle is below 25 mph (40 km/h),
momentarily pressing the ESC button will disable RSC, DSC and Engine
Traction Control and steadily illuminate the “sliding car” icon. Pressing
and holding the ESC button for more than five seconds will further
disable the brake portion of the Traction Control feature and the “sliding
car” icon will flash momentarily and then illuminate steady.
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If the vehicle is above 25 mph (40 km/h), momentarily pressing the ESC
button will steadily illuminate the “sliding car” icon, however, the ESC
system will remain enabled until the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph.
If the vehicle speed decreases below 25 mph (40 km/h), the system will
become deactivated, but if the vehicle speed subsequently increases to
above 25 mph (40 km/h), the system will again become active. In
general, the system will be active at all times the vehicle speed is above
25 mph (40 km/h).
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Traction Control feature will continue to
function, however ESC and RSC are disabled.
All these conditions are normal during ESC system operation. Refer to
the following table.
Electronic Stability Control Features
Button
functions “Sliding
car” icon RSC DSC Engine
Traction Control Brake
Traction Control
Default at
start-up Illuminated
during bulb check Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled
Button
pressed
momentarily Illuminated
solid Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
Disabled below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
Disabled below
25 mph
(40 km/h) Enabled
Button
pressed and
held more
than five
seconds Flashes
then
illuminated solid Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
Disabled below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
Disabled below
25 mph
(40 km/h) Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
WARNING: Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or
steering; the resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can
adversely affect the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
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WARNING: Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe
personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) event is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
If a failure is detected in the ESC system, and the ESC button has not
been pushed, the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will
stay on. If the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on while the engine is running, have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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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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Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Overdrive) or with the
O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving
with the gearshift lever in
D (Overdrive) gives the best fuel
economy for normal driving
conditions.
For manual control, start in
1 (First) and then shift manually.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
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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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