carrier will ratchet when the tire is in the fully stowed position. The
spare tire carrier has a built-in ratchet feature that will not allow you
to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier ratchets with very little effort,
take the vehicle to your authorized Mazda dealer for assistance at
your earliest convenience. If your vehicle is equipped with a trailer
hitch, guide the tire with one hand; keep the rear of the tire tilted
down until the tire clears the bumper.
6. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame assembly. Push against
the tire to make sure it is tightly seated under the vehicle. Loosen
and retighten, if necessary. (Make sure that the tire does not contact
the bumper.)
WARNING:Failure to stow the spare tire may result in the
failure of the winch cable and the loss of the spare tire. A loose
tire on the highway is a very dangerous object to other people on the
road. Check to be sure the tire is firmly mounted; go to an authorized
dealer to have it re-mounted if you have any doubt about spare tire
security.
7. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months), or at any time that the spare tire is
disturbed through service of other components.
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
ft-lb N•m
M12 x 1.5 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Mazda recommended replacement fasteners.
WARNING:When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
Roadside Emergencies
236
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Note:Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
OVERHEATING
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you experience
power loss, you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
If this happens:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift the automatic transmission into P (Park) or the manual
transmission into the neutral position, and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
WARNING:Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The
escaping steam could seriously burn you. Open the hood ONLY
after steam is no longer escaping from the engine.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or
from the engine compartment.
•If steam is coming from the engine compartment:do not go near
the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch
to the on position without starting the engine. The radiator cooling
fans will start to cool the engine.
•If neither coolant nor steam is escaping:open the hood and idle
the engine until it cools. If this does not lower the temperature, stop
the engine and let it cool.
5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, look for leaks in the radiator
hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator and
water pump.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking, stop the
engine and call an authorized dealer.
Roadside Emergencies
237
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight
and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on the bottom is used to designate
the assisting (boosting) battery.
Roadside Emergencies
239
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake-shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
Roadside Emergencies
243
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color. Touch-up
paint can be used to repair minor scratches to painted surfaces.
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint finish.
In order to maintain their shine:
•Clean with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH shampoo.
•Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning
chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust
and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil
Remover (0000–77–410E-01), available from your authorized Mazda
dealer.
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
•Never spray the engine or other engine components with water. Water
will damage the engine or other engine components.
•Spray Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (0000–77–410E-09), available at
your authorized Mazda dealer, on all parts that require cleaning and
pressure rinse clean.
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Cleaning
259
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
INTRODUCTION
Be extremely careful to prevent injury to yourself and others or damage
to your vehicle when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you’re unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you
to have a reliable and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably
an authorized Mazda dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for
your vehicle. Without this expertise and the parts that have been
designed and made especially for your Mazda, inadequate, incomplete,
and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This could lead to
vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an authorized Mazda
dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been
performed as prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as
opposed to defective materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will
not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda’s original
equipment may perform maintenance.But we recommend that it
always be done by an authorized Mazda dealer using genuine
Mazda parts.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the
following conditions apply:
•Repeated short-distance driving
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Driving with an extended use of brakes
•Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
•Driving on rough or muddy roads
•Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
•Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid
climates
•Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents
follow Schedule 2).
Maintenance and Specifications
264
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Months or miles [km], whichever
comes first)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
Miles x 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90
(Km x 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96) (108) (120) (132) (144)
CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake lines, hoses and
connectionII I
Disc brakes I I I I I I
Drum brakes I I I
Rear differential fluid (4WD
only)
3Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Rotate tires, check wheel lug
nut torque
4Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tire inflation and wear I I I I I I I IIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Power steering fluid level I I I I I I I IIIII
Manual transmission fluid Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Automatic transmission fluid Replace every 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
Front and rear suspension ball
jointsII I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
bodyII I
Exhaust system heat shields I I I
Locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I IIIII
1Change engine oil and replace oil filter every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months when use of E85 is 50% of the time or greater.
2According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties.
However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed
at the recommended time or miles (kilometers) period to ensure
long-term reliability.
3If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be
changed.
Maintenance and Specifications
266
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance ItemMaintenance Interval (Months or miles [km], whichever
comes first)
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
Miles x 1,000 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(Km x 1,000) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
Engine cooling system and hoses I I
Engine coolant Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 72 months; every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or36 months thereafter
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connection II
Disc brakes IIII
Drum brakes II
Rear differential fluid (4WD only)
4Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Rotate tires, check wheel lug nut
torque
5Rotate tires every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Tire inflation and wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Manual transmission fluid Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Automatic transmission fluid Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Front and rear suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body I I I I
Exhaust system heat shields I I
Locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Maintenance and Specifications
268
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)