Page 1 of 288
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)
Page 16 of 288

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
Page 38 of 288

Replacing headlamp bulbs 1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Reach over the front bolster.
4. Remove the bulb by turning it counterclockwise and then
pulling it straight out.
WARNING: Handling Halogen Bulbs: When a halogen bulb
breaks, it is dangerous. These bulbs contain pressurized gas. If
one is broken, it will explode and serious injuries could be
caused by the flying glass. If the glass portion of the bulb is
touched with bare hands, body oil could cause the bulb to
overheat and explode when lit. Never touch the glass portion of
the bulb with your bare hands and always wear eye protection
when handling or working around halogen bulbs. 5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.
WARNING: Children and
Halogen Bulbs: Playing with a
halogen bulb is dangerous.
Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen
bulb or breaking in some other
way. Always keep halogen
bulbs out of the reach of
children.
6. Connect the electrical connector on the new bulb.
7. Insert the glass end of the new bulb into the headlamp assembly. When the grooves in the plastic base are aligned, turn the new bulb
clockwise to install.
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
For bulb replacement, see your authorized Mazda dealer.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Lights
38
Page 280 of 288

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