2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE power steering

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)
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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Rear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Power Window LockoutPersonal Alarm System
Feature
Engine OilEngine Coolant
Engine Coolant
TemperatureDo Not Open When Hot
BatteryAvoid Smoking, Flames,
or Sparks
Battery AcidExplosive Gas
Fan WarningPower Steering Fluid
Maintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX MIN
Emission System
Engine Air FilterSpeed Control
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was accurate at the time of printing.
Mazda may change the contents without notice.
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Introduction
9

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in the Drivingchapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
WARNING: Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
and AWD vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may
accelerate better than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won’t stop any faster than two-wheel drive
vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
• Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
• Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those
originally provided by Mazda. The recommended tire and wheel
size may be found on either the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or the Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or edge
of the driver’s door. If this information is not found on these
labels then you should consult your Mazda dealer. Use of any
tire or wheel not recommended by Mazda can affect the safety
and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. Additionally the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
WARNING: When mounting replacement tires and wheels, you
should not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the
sidewall of the tire to set the beads without additional
precautions listed below. If the beads do not seat at the
maximum pressure indicated, re-lubricate and try again.
When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi
greater than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the
following precautions must be taken to protect the person
mounting the tire: 1. Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet away from the tire wheel assembly.
4. Use both eye and ear protection. For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi greater than the
maximum pressure, a Mazda Dealer or other tire service
professional should do the mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with
the person inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft. away
from the tire wheel assembly.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition 1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever and steering column and allows
key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits operational and warning lights
will illuminate. This is the
position the key is in when you’re driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
Note: This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding
against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
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Driving
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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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Driving
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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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Driving
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FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in
this chapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent 4WD System that
continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the
power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines
transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is
capable of handling all road conditions, including street and highway
driving as well as off-road and winter driving.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel
from the outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
2008 Tribute (j14)
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Driving
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