Page 186 of 304

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
BRAKE RELEASE P
P!
BRAKE
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
186
Page 196 of 304

WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Overdrive Cancel and Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates two features at the
same time: Overdrive Cancel and
Grade Assist.
1. Overdrive Cancel
• Overdrive is deactivated.
• The transmission operates in gears one through five.
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
196
Page 197 of 304

•The over drive cancel and grade
assist lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated.
2. Grade Assist
• Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by
providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs.
• Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
• Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
Overdrive Cancel with Grade Assist is designed to provide optimal gear
selection in hilly terrain or mountainous areas. It is recommended that
you return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best
fuel economy and transmission function.
To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control switch
again.
• The over drive cancel and grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster
will not be illuminated.
• The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
O/D (overdrive mode) is automatically returned each time the engine is
turned off.
L (Low)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
197
Page 199 of 304

Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
Upshifts during light to moderate accelerations and cruises (forbest fuel economy)
Shift from:
1-2 10 mph (16 km/h)
2-3 20 mph (32 km/h)
3-4 32 mph (52 km/h)
4-5 37 mph (60 km/h)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission. 1. Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into
the neutral position.
2. From the neutral position, move the gearshift lever all the way to the right, then move it down into the R (Reverse) position.
Note: The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
1
24R 3
5
2009 Tribute
(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
199
Page 207 of 304
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
207
Page 208 of 304
This switch is located in the front
passenger’s footwell, behind a
flip-up cover, by the kick panel
access cover.
To reset the switch:1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the switch by pushing in on the
reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the on position.
5. Wait a few seconds and return the key to the off position.
6. Make another check for leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note: Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
208
Page 214 of 304
Fuse/RelayLocation Fuse Amp
Rating Protected Circuits
15 — Not used
16 40A** Cooling fan 1
17 40A** Cooling fan 2
18 20A** ABS solenoid
19 30A** Power seats
20 — A/C clutch relay
21A — Rear defroster relay
21B — Fuel relay
21C — Blower relay
21D — PCM relay
22 20A* Fuel pump
23 15A* Fuel injectors
24 — Not used
25 — Not used
26 15A* Ignition coils
27 10A* PCM non mil-malfunction
indicator lamp
28 20A* PCM mil-on malfunction indicator
lamp
29 15A* Powertrain Control Module
30A — Cooling fan 1 relay
30B — Starter relay
30C — Cooling fan main relay
30D — Cooling fan 2 relay
31A — Reverse lamp relay
31B — Not used
31C — Trailer tow left turn relay
31D — Trailer tow right turn relay
31E — Trailer tow park relay
31F — Liftgate latch relay
32 — Not used
2009 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
214
Page 228 of 304

WARNING:When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the engine
and radiator are hot.
See Adding coolant in theMaintenance and Specifications section. If
you find no problems, the engine is cool and no leaks are obvious,
carefully add coolant as required.
Note: If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have
the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged
unless repairs are made.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
If you have run out of fuel and need to refill the vehicle with a portable
fuel container, see Running out of fuel in theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter for proper fuel filling method using a portable
fuel container and the included fuel filler funnel. Do notinsert the
nozzle of portable fuel containers or any type of aftermarket funnels into
the Easy Fuel™ no capfuel system as it can be damaged. You must use
the included funnel in such circumstances.
WARNING: Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel™ system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, all of which could result in
serious personal injury.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
2009 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
228