Page 1 of 288
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 17
Entertainment Systems 19
Auxiliary input jack 25
Climate Controls 29
Manual heating and air conditioning 29
Rear window defroster 31
Lights 32
Headlamps 32
Turn signal control 35
Bulb replacement 36
Driver Controls 42
Windshield wiper/washer control 42
Steering wheel adjustment 43
Power windows 47
Mirrors 48
Cruise control 49
Moon roof 53
Locks and Security 60
Keys 60
Locks 62
Anti-theft system 68
Seating and Safety Restraints 72
Seating 72
Safety restraints 81
Airbags 97
Child restraints 113
Table of Contents
1
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Page 11 of 288
Climate controls (pg. 29) Audio system
(pg. 19)
Auxiliary input jack (pg. 25)
Electronic stability control
(pg. 168)
Auxiliary power point
(pg. 46)
*if equipped
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
11
Page 22 of 288

the display. Then pressSEEK/TRACKto find the next station
playing that category of music or SCAN for a brief sampling of all
stations playing that category of music.
COMPRESSION: Available only in CD/MP3 mode. Press MENU until
COMPRESSION ON/OFF appears in the display.
Use
SEEK/TRACKto toggle ON/OFF. When COMPRESSION is
ON, the system will bring the soft and loud CD passages together for a
more consistent listening level.
7. TEXT: In MP3 mode, press
TEXT repeatedly to view Album
(AL), Folder (FL), Song (SO)
and Artist (AR) in the display, if available.
In TEXT MODE, sometimes the display requires additional text to be
displayed. When th e>indicator is active, press TEXT and then
press
SEEK/TRACKto view previous / additional display text.
8. AUX: Press AUX to access
LINE (auxiliary audio mode).
For location and further
information on auxiliary audio mode, refer to Auxiliary input jack
later in this chapter.
9. SAT (Satellite Radio, if equipped): This control is not
operational.
10. CD: Press to enter CD/MP3
mode. If a disc is already loaded
into the system, CD/MP3 play
will begin where it ended last. If no CD is loaded, NO DISC will
appear in the display.
11. AM/FM: Press repeatedly to
select AM/FM1/FM2 frequency
band.
12. SEEK/TRACK: In radio
mode, press to access the
previous/next strong radio
station.
In CD/MP3 mode,
press
SEEK/TRACKto
access the previous/next track.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Entertainment Systems
22
Page 25 of 288

Auxiliary input jack
Your vehicle is equipped with an
Auxiliary Input Jack (AIJ). The
Auxiliary Input Jack provides a way
to connect your portable music
player to the in-vehicle audio
system. This allows the audio from a
portable music player to be played
through the vehicle speakers with
high fidelity. To achieve optimal
performance, please observe the
following instructions when
attaching your portable music
device to the audio system.
Required equipment: 1. Any portable music player designed to be used with headphones
2. An audio extension cable with stereo male 1/8 in. (3.5 mm) connectors at each end
To play your portable music player using the auxiliary input jack: 1. Begin with the vehicle parked and the radio turned off.
2. Ensure that the battery in your portable music player is new or fully charged and that the device is turned off.
3. Attach one end of the audio extension cable to the headphone output of your player and the other end of the audio extension cable
to the AIJ in your vehicle.
4. Turn the radio on, using either a tuned FM station or a CD loaded into the system. Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level.
5. Turn the portable music player on and adjust the volume to 1/2 the volume.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Entertainment Systems
25
Page 26 of 288

6. Press AUX on the vehicle radio repeatedly until LINE IN appears in the display.
You should hear audio from your portable music player although it
may be low.
7. Adjust the sound on your portable music player until it reaches the level of the FM station or CD by switching back and forth between
the AUX and FM or CD controls.
Troubleshooting: 1. Do not connect the audio input jack to a line level output. Line level outputs are intended for connection to a home stereo and are not
compatible with the AIJ. The AIJ will only work correctly with
devices that have a headphone output with a volume control.
2. Do not set the portable music player’s volume level higher than is necessary to match the volume of the CD or FM radio in your audio
system as this will cause distortion and will reduce sound quality.
Many portable music players have different output levels, so not all
players should be set at the same levels. Some players will sound
best at full volume and others will need to be set at a lower volume.
3. If the music sounds distorted at lower listening levels, turn the portable music player volume down. If the problems persists, replace
or recharge the batteries in the portable music player.
4. The portable music player must be controlled in the same way manner when it is used with headphones as the AIJ does not provide
control (play, pause, etc.) over the attached portable music player.
5. For safety reasons, connecting or adjusting the settings on your portable music player should not be attempted while the vehicle is
moving. Also, the portable music player should be stored in a secure
location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the
vehicle is in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough
to allow the portable music player to be safely stored while the
vehicle is in motion.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Entertainment Systems
26
Page 46 of 288

AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC) WARNING: Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not insert any other object in the power outlet as this
will damage the outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type
of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use
of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
The auxiliary power point is located
on the center console in front of the
gearshift.
Do not use the power point for
operating the cigarette lighter
element (if equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being
blown, do not use the power
point(s) over the vehicle capacity of
12 VDC/180W. If the power point or
cigar lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer to
Fuses and Relays in theRoadside Emergencies chapter for information
on checking and replacing fuses.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power
point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
Cigarette/Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
46
Page 52 of 288
•Depress the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal (if equipped) until
the desired vehicle speed is
reached, press the SET + control.
Turning off speed control
There are two ways to turn off the
speed control:
• Press the speed control OFF
control.
• Turn OFF the ignition.
Note: When you turn off the speed
control or the ignition, your speed
control set speed memory is erased.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
These controls allow you to operate some audio control features.
Radio control features
Press MEDIA to select:
• AM, FM1, FM2, or CD
• LINE IN (Auxiliary input jack) (if
equipped)
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
52
Page 239 of 288
Working with the engine on
• Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
• Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
OPENING THE HOOD 1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel.
2. At the front of the vehicle, lift up on the auxiliary latch handle
located in the center between
the hood and the grille.
3. Lift the hood open and secure it with the prop rod.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239