GETTING STARTED
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Getting Started
Tribute Quick Tips®are
designed to quickly familiarize
you with some important
features of your Tribute.
The Driver’s View tab is your
index to the Quick Tips
®, locate
the item you would like to
learn more about and then
turn to the listed tab.
This Getting Started section
contains important operating
tips about your Tribute.
Items identified in blue text
call out important information.Passenger air bag
deactivation indicator lightFront passenger sensing system
is designed to turn off passenger
frontal air bag when a low weight
is detected, a person of adultsize
that is sitting properly in the
passenger front seat will enable
passenger frontal air bag.
The sensor also turns off the
passenger front air bag and seat-
mounted side air bag* when the
passenger seat is empty and seat
belt is unbuckled to prevent
unnecessary replacement of airbag(s) after a collision, PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp is not
illuminated in this case.
The front passenger seat-mounted
side air bag* will be deactivated if
the sensor detects an empty seat;
otherwise, the seat-mounted side
air bag* will be enabled.
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator (1)
will be illuminated to remind you
the passenger air bag is deactivated.
See Owner’s Manual for
complete details and warnings.
WARNING: If PASSENGER
AIRBAG OFF light goes on or
off or stays off unexpectedly,
please see Owner’s Manual
for various ways this system
may indicate a false reading.
Gas cap
Tip: When fueling vehicle,
use gas cap clip (1) to hold
cap away from vehicle.
After filling vehicle with gasoline,
fully reinstall gas cap by turning
clockwise until a clicking sound
is heard, if gas cap is not fully
installed, Check Engine light
and/or Check Fuel Cap indicator
light may come on.
For more information on Check
Engine light, see Owner’s Manual.
Fuel pump shutoff Disables fuel pump after a
substantial jolt; located in
front passenger’s footwell,
behind flip-up cover, by kick
panel access cover.
To reset: Press down top of
exposed red reset button (2).
WARNING: Do not reset
shutoff switch if you see
or smell fuel.Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
(TPMS)
Warning light illuminates
for a few seconds after
ignition is on.
If tire pressure is too low
in one or more tires, warning
light will illuminate.
Flashing warning light
indicates possible malfunction;
dealer inspection required.
Getting
Started
Getting
Started
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
1
1
TUN E
OKEJECT
2
*Denotes optional equipment
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
WARNING LIGHTS
• Anti-lock BrakeSystem (ABS)
ABS malfunction, normal brakes
only, dealer inspection required
• Always fasten seat belts
• Air bag readiness Front or side air bag malfunction,
dealer inspection required
• High beams on
• Cruise control on*,see Getting Started
• Door ajar
• Brake system Parking brake on/low brake fluid
• Overdrive off indicator*, see Transaxle
• Check engine indicator Dealer inspection required if light
remains on, see Owner’s Manual
• Engine oil pressure Stop car when safe and turn
off engine; check oil level
• Charging system Charging system malfunction;
dealer inspection required
• Turn signals/hazard warning on
• Low fuel
• Check fuel cap Fuel cap not securely tightened
• Anti-theft on
• Throttle control/ powertrain
Illuminates when a powertrain
or throttle body fault has been
detected; dealer inspection
required if indicator remains on
• Tire Pressure MonitoringSystem (TPMS),
see Getting Started
• Traction Control System (TCS)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)/
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Light flashes when system is
activated while driving; dealer
inspection required if light
remains on
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
*Denotes optional equipment
GAUGES
1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Fuel gauge 16.5-gallon/62-liter tank
(2.3L and 3.0L). 4. Odometer/trip odometer
selector
Press to toggle between
odometer and trip odometer.
Tip: Press and hold for more
than 1 second to reset trip
odometer.
5. Odometer
6. Coolant temperature gauge
If above normal range, stop
vehicle and turn off engine, check
coolant level when safe.
4x1000r/min3
2
1
0 5
EF
6
7
453.2
2081.4TRIP
A80mph
200 180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20 012 010 0
80
60
40
20
CH
3126
45
O/D
OFF
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Climate
Controls
Climate
Controls
*Denotes optional equipment
1. Fan speed
Rotate knob to control
air volume.
2. Air flow selections
= air to dash
= air to dash and floor
= air to floor
= air to floor and
windshield
= defrost, air to
windshield
3. Power
Press to activate/deactivate
climate control system.
4. Temperature selection
Cooler/warmer = rotate knob
counterclockwise/clockwise
5. Heated seats*
Press ON/OFF.6. Recirculated air
Press to activate/deactivate.
WARNING: Do not use
recirculated air mode in
cold weather, windows
may fog and hamper
vision.
7. MAX A/C
Distributes cooled recirculated
air through instrument panel
vents for maximum cooling.
8. A/C
Air conditioning ON/OFF.
9. Rear defrost
Press to activate/deactivate.
Tip: Both outside mirrors
are heated* automatically
to help remove ice, mist
and fog when rear window
defrost is activated.
Control positions for
maximum defrost
Press button; fan to maximum,
temperature to maximum hot.
Tips: To help prevent windshield
fogging in humid weather,
select before starting engine.
To prevent moisture buildup,
never drive with system off.
Objects placed under the front
seats may interfere with air
flow to the rear.
1
2
3
4
A/C R
MAX A/C
13422
587659
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
UNDER HOOD
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
1. Windshield washer
reservoir
Fill with windshield washer
fluid, not water.
2. Engine coolant reservoir
Level should be at cold fill level
or within the cold fill range
when cold.
WARNING: Never remove
coolant reservoir cap while
engine is running or hot;
remove only when system
is cool.
3. Brake/clutch fluid
reservoir
Fill to MAX mark with DOT 3
fluid, check with cap on.4. Air filter
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Engine oil filler cap
5W-20 engine oil.
8. Hood latch
9. Engine oil dipstick
Check with engine off and
at normal temperature; oil
level should be within
crosshatched area of dipstick.
10. Automatic transaxle
fluid dipstick*
Check with engine on at
operating temperature; fluid
level should be within
crosshatched area.
Under Hood
Under Hood
Tip: Check all fluids with
vehicle parked on a level
surface and engine off
unless otherwise stated.
*Denotes optional equipment
8 17 69 2310 4 51698 27 3410 5
2.3L Engine 3.0L Engine
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