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)
Traction Control:Illuminates
when the Traction Control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to the Drivingchapter for
more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
to Inspecting and Inflating Your Tires in theTires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to RUN, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System in theTires,
Wheels and Loading chapter.
Low fuel: Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer to Fuel gaugein this
chapter).
Cruise control/Speed control:
Illuminates when the cruise
control/speed control is activated.
Turns off when the cruise
control/speed control system is
deactivated, refer to the Driver
Controls chapter.
Overdrive off (automatic
transmission): Illuminates when
the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off.
Refer to the Drivingchapter for transmission function and operation. If
the light flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately,
or damage to the transmission could occur.
O/D
OFF
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
15
Fold-away mirrors
Fold the side mirrors in carefully
when driving through a narrow
space, like an automatic car wash.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
CRUISE CONTROL/SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With cruise control/speed control set, you can maintain a set speed
without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
WARNING: Using cruise control in the following conditions
could cause you to lose control of the vehicle:
• Heavy or unsteady traffic
• Slippery or winding roads
• Similar restrictions that require inconsistent speed
Don’t use cruise control in these situations.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
49
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
• Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
• Have the items listed in the scheduled maintenancesection
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
section are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
If other than Mazda authorized parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for service of components affecting emission control,
such non-Mazda parts should be equivalent to genuine Mazda parts in
performance and durability.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
264
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................114
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............227
instrument panel ....................229
interior .....................................230
Mazda car care products .......231
plastic parts ............................228
washing ....................................226
waxing .....................................226
wheels ......................................227
wiper blades ............................229
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clutch fluid ..........................................267
operation while driving ..........179
recommended shift speeds ....180
Console ........................................44 overhead ....................................44
Controls power seat .................................74
steering column ........................52
Coolant checking and adding ..............250
refill capacities ................254, 271
specifications ..........................271
Cruise control .............................49
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer
Assistance ..................215–216, 219
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33 Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................267
engine oil .................................244
Driving under special
conditions ..................178, 182, 185 sand .........................................184
snow and ice ...........................186
through water .................184, 187
E
Electronic stability control ......168
Emergencies, roadside jump-starting ..........................207
Emergency Flashers .................188
Emission control system ..........264
Engine ........................................273 cleaning ...................................227
coolant .....................................250
fail-safe cooling .......................255
idle speed control ...................248
lubrication specifications .......271
refill capacities ........................271
service points ..................240–241
starting after a collision .........189
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................244 checking and adding ..............244
dipstick ....................................244
filter, specifications ................247
recommendations ...................247
refill capacities ........................271
specifications ..........................271
Exhaust fumes ..........................164
F
Fail safe cooling ........................255
Fluid capacities .........................271
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
278