GAUGES
Speedometer: Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”). If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
17
10.Passenger heated seat control (if equipped):Press to
activate/deactivate the passenger heated seat. See Heated seatsin
the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
11.
Recirculated air: Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount
of time needed to cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also
help reduce undesired odors from reaching the interior of the
vehicle. Recirculated air engages automatically when MAX A/C is
selected or can be engaged manually in any airflow mode
except
(defrost). Recirculated air may turn off automatically in
all airflow modes except MAX A/C. When the ignition switch is
turned off and back on, the climate system will return to the
recirculated air mode only if the A/C button LED is illuminated and
the air distribution selection is either(panel) or(panel/floor).
12. MAX A/C: Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Press the MAX A/C
button again for normal A/C operation.
13. A/C: Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency.
Engages automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost) and
(floor/defrost).
14.
Driver heated seat control (if equipped): Press to
activate/deactivate the driver heated seat. See Heated seatsin the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
Outside temperature (if equipped): The outside temperature will
appear in the display and is labeled EXT TEMP.
Operating tips
• To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
• To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system off or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
• To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
30
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode: 1. Select MAX A/C.
2. Move temperature control selector to the coolest setting.
3. Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
WARNING: Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel
as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden
stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The engine must be running to operate the rear window defroster.
Press
Rto turn the rear window defroster on. An indicator light on
the button will illuminate when active. The rear window defroster turns
off automatically after a predetermined amount of time, if a low battery
condition is detected or when the ignition is turned to the 1 (LOCK) or
2 (ACC) position. To manually turn off the rear window defroster at any
time, press the control again.
If your vehicle is equipped with both rear defroster and heated mirrors,
the same button will activate both. Refer to Heated outside mirrorsin
the Driver Controls chapter.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside or the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Climate Controls
31
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission in theDriving chapter .
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for more information.
Trailer towing tips
• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
159
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay Location Fuse Amp
Rating Power Distribution Box
Description
A 80A Midi EPAS B 125A Midi SPDJB 1 15A* Heated mirror
2 30A** Rear defroster
3 20A** Rear power point (center console)
4 20A** Fuel pump
5 10A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Keep Alive power
6 15A* Alternator
7 10A* Reverse lamps
8 20A* Trailer tow parking lamps
9 50A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
10 30A** Front wipers
11 30A** Starter
12 40A** Blower motor
13 10A* A/C clutch
14 15A* Trailer tow turn lamps
15 — Not used
16 40A** Cooling fan 1
17 40A** Cooling fan 2
18 20A** ABS solenoid
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
194
Fuse/Relay Location Fuse Amp
Rating Power Distribution Box
Description
19 30A** Power seats
20 — A/C clutch relay
21A — Rear defroster relay 21B — Not used
21C — Blower relay
21D — PCM relay 22 — Not used
23 — Not used
24 10A* PCM transmission
25 — Not used
26 10A* PCM mil
27 10A* PCM non-mil
28 15A* PCM
29 15A* Ignition coils
30A — Cooling fan 1 relay 30B — Starter relay
30C — Cooling fan main relay
30D — Cooling fan 2 relay 31A — Reverse lamp relay31B — Fuel pump relay
31C — Trailer tow left turn relay
31D — Trailer tow right turn relay 31E — Trailer tow park relay 31F — Not used 32 — A/C clutch diode
33 — PCM diode
34 — Start diode
35 10A* Reverse lamp relay, Speed control module, Rear defrost relay
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
* Mini fuse ** Cartridge fuse
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
195
4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from the engine compartment.
• If steam is coming from the engine compartment: do not go near
the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position without starting the engine. The radiator cooling
fans will start to cool the engine.
• If neither coolant nor steam is escaping: open the hood and idle
the engine until it cools. If this does not lower the temperature, stop
the engine and let it cool.
5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, look for leaks in the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator and
water pump.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking, stop the
engine and call an authorized dealer.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
See Adding coolant in theMaintenance and Specifications section. If
you find no problems, the engine is cool and no leaks are obvious,
carefully add coolant as required.
Note: If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have
the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged
unless repairs are made.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
207
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. 1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making sure the two vehicles do nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight
and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
Note: In the illustrations, lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
208