Page 270 of 320

Retightening lug nuts
•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.).
•Refer toWheel lug nut torque specificationsin theTires, Wheels
and Loadingchapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide necessary parts and service. Check your Warranty Information to
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Genuine Mazda parts are designed and built
to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING:A hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has been
running, parts of the engine compartment can become very hot.
You could be burned. Don’t inspect the coolant system or add coolant
when the engine is hot.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, set the
parking brake and shift to P (Park). For vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission, set the parking brake, press and hold the
clutch pedal, place the gearshift in 1 (First), and release the clutch
pedal.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
270
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 271 of 320
Working with the engine on
1. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, set the
parking brake and shift to P (Park). For vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission, set the parking brake, press and hold the
clutch pedal, place the gearshift in N (Neutral), and release the
clutch pedal.
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under
the bottom of the instrument
panel.
2. At the front of the vehicle, lift
up on the auxiliary latch handle
located in the center between
the hood and the grille.
3. Lift the hood open and secure it with the prop rod.
Maintenance and Specifications
271
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 272 of 320
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.5L I4 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Automatic transmission dipstick (if equipped)
4. Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine coolant bleed valve
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
1
10
23456
978
Maintenance and Specifications
272
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 273 of 320
3.0L V6 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Air filter assembly
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Coolant bleed valve
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
1
1086
2435
97
Maintenance and Specifications
273
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 274 of 320

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as windshield water repellent type fluid or bug
wash. They may cause squeaking, chatter noise, streaking and smearing.
Refer to theMaintenance product specifications and capacities
section in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
Maintenance and Specifications
274
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 276 of 320

To replace the wiper blade:
1. Grab the wiper arm with one
hand close to the arm/blade
joint and pull it as far away
from the glass as possible. Do
not use excessive force because
it can break the wiper arm at
the heel. Hold it there until the
next step.
2. Grab the primary structure of
the blade with the other hand
close to the arm/blade joint.
3. Grip tightly and press on the arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.
4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too
difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual
transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
Maintenance and Specifications
276
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 277 of 320
•2.5L I4 engine
•3.0L V6 engine
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level is within the lower and upper holes or lower and upper
lines, the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole or the lower line, engineoil
must be addedto raise the level within the normal operating range.
•2.5L I4 engine
Maintenance and Specifications
277
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 278 of 320

•3.0L V6 engine
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the upper
hole or upper line may cause engine damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX, FULL or upper hole/mark (depending on application) on the
engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and Specifications
278
2011 Tribute(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)