2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE brake

Tires, Wheels and Loading 125
Tire information 127
Tire inflation 130
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 143
Vehicle loading 148
Trailer towing 154
Recreational towing 160
Driving 161
Starting 161
Brakes 166
Electronic stability control 168
Transmission operation 173
Roadside Emergencies 188
Hazard flasher switch 188
Fuel pump shut-off switch 189
Fuses and relays 189
Changing tires 196
Lug nut torque 206
Overheating 206
Jump starting 207
Wrecker towing 213
Customer Assistance 215
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 225
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 225
Cleaning 226
Table of Contents
2
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Event Data Recorder
The computer in your vehicle is capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
• the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
• information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
• information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status potentially including information related to how the driver
operates the vehicle including but not limited to vehicle speed.
This information may be stored during regular operation or in a crash or
near crash event. This stored information may be read out and used by:
• service and repair facilities.
• law enforcement or government agencies.
• the Manufacturer and Distributor.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
6

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle. Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Manual
Protecting the
EnvironmentFasten Seat Belt
Airbag - FrontAirbag - Side
Passenger Airbag OffChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemMaster Lighting Switch
Hazard Warning FlasherFog Lamps-Front
Fuse CompartmentFuel Pump Reset
Windshield Wash/WipeWindshield
Defrost/Demist
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
8

Multi-function lever (pg. 42) Instrument cluster
(pg. 12)
Hazard flasher control (pg. 188)
Headlamp control
(pg. 32)
Parking brake release (pg. 167) Speed controls*
(pg. 49) Hood release
(pg. 239) Steering wheel controls*
(pg. 52)
* if equipped
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
10

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: Momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position to
ensure your bulb is working. When
the light stays on, check the fuel
filler cap. Continuing to operate the
vehicle with the check fuel cap light on, can activate the
warning
light. When the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will
turn off after a period of normal driving. This period will vary depending
on driving conditions.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer to Fuel filler capin theMaintenance and
Specifications 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 an authorized
Mazda dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low
brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately
by an authorized Mazda 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.
P!
BRAKE
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

Anti-lock brake system (ABS):If
the ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by an
authorized Mazda dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the
brake system warning light also is illuminated.
WARNING: If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails
to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately by an
authorized Mazda dealer. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled but normal braking is still effective
unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with
the parking brake released.
Airbag readiness: If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to RUN, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by an authorized Mazda dealer. A chime will also
sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Seat belt: Reminds you to fasten
your seat belt. A Belt-Minder 
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your seat belt. Refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder chime feature.
Charging system: Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure: Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer to Engine oilin
the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.
ABS
2008 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLock Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle control/Powertrain:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
has been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Door ajar: Illuminates when the
ignition is in the RUN position and
any door is open.
Turn signal: Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams: Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake ON chime: Sounds when the parking brake is left ON
and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is
off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
16

Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the lowbeam headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
• the ignition must be in the 3 (RUN) position.
• the headlamp control must be in the OFF, parking lamps or autolamp
position.
• with automatic transmission, the transmission is not in P (Park),
• with manual transmission, the parking brake must be released.
WARNING: Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp
(DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally
may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions.
Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may
result in a collision.
INSTRUMENT PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
switches in the vehicle during
headlamp and parklamp operation.
Move the control to the full upright
position, past detent, to turn on the
interior lamps.
Rotate to full down position (past
detent) to prevent interior lamps
from illuminating when the doors
are opened.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Lights
33