Page 182 of 320

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. See your authorized Mazda
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking-up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
182
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 218 of 320
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.
Press 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.
Roadside Emergencies
218
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 221 of 320
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtective Circuits
1 30A Not used (spare)
2 15A Brake on/off switch
3 15A Not used (spare)
4 30A Moon roof
5 10A Brake-shift interlock (BSI),
Passenger compartment fuse
panel
6 20A Turn signals, Stop lamps
7 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
8 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
9 15A Interior lights
10 15A Backlighting
11 10A Four wheel drive
12 7.5A Power mirror switch
13 5A Not used (spare)
14 10A FCIM (radio buttons), Front
display module
Roadside Emergencies
221
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 320 of 320

T
Tilt steering wheel ......................52
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....167
Tires ...........................151–153, 226
alignment ................................160
care ..........................................156
changing ..................226, 229, 231
checking the pressure ............156
inflating ...................................154
label .........................................166
replacing ..................................157
rotating ....................................160
safety practices .......................159
sidewall information ...............162
snow tires and chains ............172
spare tire .........................227, 229
terminology .............................153
tire grades ...............................152
treadwear ........................152, 156
Towing .......................................180
recreational towing .................184
trailer towing ..........................180
wrecker ....................................242
Transmission
automatic operation ...............203
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....202
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................301fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .........................301, 304
fluid, refill capacities ..............309
lubricant specifications ..........309
manual operation ....................206
Trunk ...........................................71
Turn signal ..................................44
U
Universal garage door opener ....63
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................312
Vehicle loading ..........................172
Ventilating your vehicle ...........191
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................274
Water, Driving through .............216
Windows
power .........................................56
rear wiper/washer .....................52
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................51
checking and adding fluid .....274
liftgate reservoir .....................274
replacing wiper blades ...........275
Wrecker towing .........................242
Index
320
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)