TRANSAXLE
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Automatic transaxle*
Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it must
be in Park to remove ignition key.
P = Park
To move gearshift from Park:
You must press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition
must be in the ON position.
R = Reverse
Never engage Reverse when
vehicle is moving.
N = Neutral
No gear is engaged; vehicle can
roll freely, even on a slight incline,
unless the brakes are applied.
D (Overdrive)
For normal driving: Transaxle shifts
through four forward gears.D (Overdrive Off)
Press the overdrive switch (
1) to
disengage overdrive; an indicator
light on the instrument panel
will illuminate.
2 = Second
Place the gearshift lever in second
when accelerating on slippery
roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 = First
Provides maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades.
Manual
transaxle
Depress clutch
pedal completely
to start engine
and change gears.
Tips: Do not shift into 1st
above 20 mph or clutch
failure could occur.
Resting your foot on clutch
pedal while driving and using
the clutch to hold your vehicle
at a stand still while waiting
on a hill may reduce clutch life.
Four wheel drive
(4WD) system*†Your Tribute is equipped with a
4WD system that is always active
and requires no driver input,
Tribute’s intelligent 4WD system
monitors vehicle conditions and
will automatically adjust power
distribution between front and
rear wheels, the 4WD system
is capable of highway, off-road
and winter road conditions.
Transaxle
Transaxle
During some extreme
off-road events the 4WD
system may go into heat
protection mode (locked
mode), this will help protect
the system, to exit heat
protection mode, stop vehicle
and let it cool down with
engine running.
1
R
N
D 2
1
P
*Denotes optional equipment†See Owner’s Manual
DRIVING TIPS
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Driving Tips
Tire economy and tipsCheck pressure monthly when
tires are cold, see Owner’s Manual
for rotation schedule and chart.
Tire pressure Decal on driver’s door latch
pillar provides tire size and
pressure information.
Tire chains**
†Tire chains can damage
aluminum wheels; use on
steel wheels only.
Tips: Use only SAE class “S”
chains, install only on front
axles if vehicle is 2WD
(with P235/70R16 tires) and
on both axles if 4WD.
Install as tightly as possible
and retighten periodically.
Never exceed 30 mph with
tire chains.
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
ABS automatically reduces
hydraulic pressure to any wheel
on the verge of locking up.
You may feel a slight pulsing of
the brake pedal and hear a clicking
noise; this tells you the ABS is
functioning properly; increase pressure
on pedal for maximum braking.
Tips: Maintain constant
pressure on the brake pedal.
Do not pump the brakes.
ABS self test
A self-diagnostic test is performed
when starting; you may feel some
brake pedal pulsation and hear
some noise, this is normal.Traction Control System (TCS)
Enhances traction and safety
by regulating engine torque.
When TCS detects drive wheel
slippage it lowers engine torque
to prevent loss of traction.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with ABS
and TCS to help control side slip
on slippery surfaces or during
sudden or evasive maneuvering.
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
System determines when corrective
action is needed; by controlling
engine torque and braking
on each wheel.
Tip: For additional service
details, see Owner’s Manual.
Break-in period
First 1,000 miles: Avoid heavy
repeated brake use; avoid full
throttle, rapid acceleration or
kick-down of transaxle; drive at
varying road and engine speeds.
Do not tow a trailer for first 500 miles.
Do not use special break-in oils.
Tip: Follow the same procedures
with newly overhauled engine
or when brakes are replaced.
Normal maintenance notes
Change engine oil/replace filter
every 5,000*/7,500 miles; rotate
tires every 7,500 miles or sooner
if needed; replace cabin air filter
every 25,000 miles or 24 months.
A.Change: Engine oil/replace filter
Inspect: Engine coolant level, brake
fluid level, tire inflation pressure
and tire wear, power steering
fluid level, washer fluid level
Lube: Locks and hingesB.Inspect: Disc brakes
C.Inspect: Drive belts (3.0 liter),
fuel lines and hoses, brake lines,
hoses and connections, drum
brakes, steering operation and
linkages, front and rear suspension
ball joints, driveshaft dust
boots, exhaust system heat
shields, chassis/bodybolts and
nuts, cooling system and hoses
Replace: Fuel filter
D.Inspect: Drive belts (2.3 liter)
Replace: Air filter
E.Inspect: Hoses and tubes
for emission system
F. Replace: Spark plugs
Inspect: Engine valve clearance
(2.3 liter), adjust if noisy
G.Replace: PCV valve (3.0 liter),
engine coolant (yellow)
7,500 miles
15,000 miles
22,500 miles
30,000 miles
37,500 miles
45,000 miles
52,500 miles
60,000 miles
67,500 miles
75,000 miles
82,500 miles
90,000 miles
A A C
A A D F A
A B C E A A
A D
A B C
A A
A B
5,000 miles*A
97,500 miles
G 100,000 miles* Special operating conditions
** Denotes optional equipment†See Owner’s Manual
