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.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
9
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.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
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•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
NOTE:
• If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
• When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the
hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
• Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts, halfshafts and tires. Excess mud on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage drive
components.
NOTE:
If the transaxle Power Take Off unit or rear axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
184
Maintenance Item Maintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
x 1000 Miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.6 75 82.5 90
(x 1000 Km) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
(108) (120) (132) (144)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Disc brakes IIIIII
Drum brakes I I I
Tire (rotation),
check wheel lug nut torque*3 Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tire inflation and wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Manual transaxle fluid Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Automatic transaxle fluid Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rear differential fluid
(4WD only) *2 Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Transfer case fluid
(4WD only) Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Front and rear suspension ball
joints III
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body I I I
Exhaust system heat shields I I I
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
*1 According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these
items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all
maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or miles (kilometers)
period to ensure long-term reliability. Refer to Fuel filterin theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter for fuel filter replacement requirements.
*2 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.
*3 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications at 500 miles
(800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or at any other time the
wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer to Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specificationin
the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
2008 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234
Maintenance Item Maintenance Interval (Number of months or km (miles),
whichever comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
x 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(x 1000 Km) (8) (16)
(24)(32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I IIIIIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level I I I IIIIIIIII
Disc brakes I I I I
Drum brakes I I
Tire (rotation),
check wheel lug nut torque *4 Rotate every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wearIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level I I I IIIIIIIII
Manual transaxle oil Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Automatic transaxle fluid Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Rear differential
fluid (4WD only) *3 Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Transfer case fluid
(4WD only) *3 Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Front and rear suspension ball
joints II
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body I I I I
Exhaust system heat shields I I
All locks and hinges L L L LLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I I IIIIIIIII
*1 According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these
items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all
maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or miles (kilometers)
period to ensure long-term reliability. Refer to Fuel filterin theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter for fuel filter replacement requirements.
2008 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236
*2 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the spark
plugs every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving.
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation.
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates.
*3 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.
*4 The wheel lug nuts must be retightened to the proper specifications at 500 miles
(800 km) of new vehicle operation, at any wheel change, or at any other time the
wheel lug nuts have been loosened. Refer to Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specificationin
the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
OWNER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle
inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable
operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an authorized Mazda Dealer or
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
• Brake and clutch fluid level
• Engine coolant level
• Engine oil level
• Washer fluid level
At Least Monthly
• Tire inflation pressures
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
• Automatic transaxle fluid level
• Power steering fluid level
Retightening lug nuts
• Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
• Refer to Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specification in theTires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
2008 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237
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
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fog lamps ...................................32
headlamps .................................32
headlamps, flash to pass ..........33
instrument panel, dimming .....33
interior lamps .....................35–37
replacing bulbs .........................38
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................35
Liftgate ..................................54, 64
Lights, warning and indicator ....12 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........167
Load limits .................................148
Loading instructions .................154
Locks childproof ..................................62
doors ..........................................62
Lubricant specifications ...........271
Lug nuts ....................................206
Luggage rack ...............................57
Lumbar support, seats ...............74
M
Manual transaxle fluid, checking and adding ....269
Manual transmission .................179 fluid capacities ........................271
lubricant specifications ..........271
reverse .....................................180
Mirrors .........................................48 fold away ...................................49
heated ........................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......48
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ........................256
O
Octane rating ............................260 Oil (see Engine oil) ..................244
Overdrive ...................................175
Overheating ...............................206
P
Parking brake ............................167
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................83
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................193
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .............................48
Power point .................................46
Power Seats .................................74
Power steering ..........................172
fluid, refill capacity ................271
fluid, specifications .................271
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................173
R
Radio ............................................19
Relays ........................................189
Remote entry system ...........63–64 illuminated entry ................66–67
locking/unlocking doors ...........64
opening the trunk .....................64
panic alarm ...............................65
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................66
replacing the batteries .............65
Roof rack .....................................57
S
Safety defects, reporting ..........225
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
280