2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE windshield wipers

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper: Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer: Push the end
of the stalk:
• briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
• a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
• a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Courtesy wipe feature: One extra wipe will happen a few seconds
after washing the front window to clear any water that is dripping down
from the top of the windshield caused by the washing.
Note: Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Rear window wiper/washer controls
For rear wiper operation, rotate the
rear window wiper and washer
control to the desired position.
Select:
INT 2 — Normal speed operation of
rear wiper.
INT 1 — Intermittent operation of
rear wiper.
OFF — Rear wiper and washer off.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driver Controls
42

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellant
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
• The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner
(0000–77–400E-01 and 0000–77–400E-02), available from your
authorized Mazda dealer.
• The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or a
windshield washer concentrate. This washer fluid concentrate contains
a special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL / INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the interior trim areas and instrument panel with a damp cloth,
then with a clean, dry cloth, or use Mazda Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (0000-77-430E-15).
• Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
• Do not use household or glass cleaners, as these may damage the
finish.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel, instrument panel or interior
trim areas to avoid contamination of the airbag systems.
• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Cleaning
229

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES 1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away from the glass. Turn the
blade at a right angle to the
arm.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to release the blade from the arm
and pull the blade away from
the arm to remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer to Windows and wiper blades in theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
243

V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................274
Vehicle loading ..........................148
Ventilating your vehicle ...........165
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................242 Water, Driving through .............187
Windows
power .........................................47
rear wiper/washer .....................42
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers ...................................42 checking and adding fluid .....242
liftgate reservoir .....................242
replacing wiper blades ...243–244
Wrecker towing .........................213
2008 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
282