MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 2003 Owners Manual (in English)

Understanding gearshift positions
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.
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. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of R (Reverse).
WARNING: Make sure the
rearward path of the vehicle is
unobstructed before moving
the vehicle in reverse.
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
R D 2 1ODO
R D 2 1ODO
R D 2 1ODO
Driving
131

Overdrive Ð column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch
The Overdrive position with the O/D
OFF switchnotdepressed is the
normal driving position for this
automatic overdrive transaxle. When
your vehicle cruises at a constant
speed for any length of time, this
fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy.
Overdrive may not be appropriate
for certain terrains. If the transaxle
shifts back and forth between third
and fourth gears while you are
driving hilly roads or if your vehicle
requires additional power for climbing hills, press the O/D OFF switch.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode.
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly
when the vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D
OFF control is pressed, there may be a transaxle electronic
system malfunction. You should contact your authorized Mazda
dealer as soon as possible or damage to the transaxle could occur.
When to use D (Drive) or press the O/D OFF switch
You will notice that there is only one
drive position on your gearshift
indicator (instead of Drive and
Overdrive). However, you will find a
control labeled OVERDRIVE located
on the gearshift lever. Push in the
switch and the O/D OFF light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
With the O/D OFF light illuminated,
the transaxle will operate in first,
second and third gears and will not
shift into fourth gear. Operating in D (O/D OFF) provides more engine
braking than Overdrive for descending hills or city driving.
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive operation, press the O/D
OFF control again. Use this control to select between Overdrive or D
(O/D OFF) whenever you drive your vehicle.
R D 2 1ODO
OFF/ON
R D 2 1ODO
OFF/ON
Driving
132

If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly
when the vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D
OFF control is pressed, there may be a transaxle electronic
system malfunction. You should contact your authorized Mazda
dealer as soon as possible or damage to the transaxle could occur.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) for start-up on
slippery roads or to give you more
engine braking to slow your vehicle
on downgrades.
To avoid damage to the engine
and/or transaxle do not go faster
than 108 km/h (68 mph) when in
this gear. You can upshift from 2 (Second) to overdrive at any
time.
1 (First)
Use 1 (First) for when added engine
braking is desired when descending
steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift to
the proper gear to ascend any grade
without any need to shift to 1
(First).
To avoid damage to the engine and/or transaxle do not go faster
than 56 km/h (35 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from 1
(First) to overdrive at any time.
WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off
the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your
vehicle unattended while it is running. Never leave children in
an unattended vehicle. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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 from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
R D 2 1ODO
R D 2 1ODO
Driving
133

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.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
USING THE CLUTCH
Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a starter interrupt
interlock that prevents cranking of the engine unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must:
1. Put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
2. Hold down the brake pedal.
3. Depress the clutch pedal.
1
24R35
Driving
134

4. Without depressing the
accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to position 4 (START),
release the ignition as soon as
the engine starts.
5. Let the engine idle for a few
seconds.
6. Release the brake pedal, then
slowly release the clutch pedal
while pressing down slowly on
the accelerator pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
Upshifts when accelerating
(recommended for best fuel economy)
1-2 22 km/h (14 mph)
2-3 40 km/h (25 mph)
3-4 55 km/h (34 mph)
4-5 70 km/h (44 mph)
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
1-2 19 km/h (12 mph)
2-3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3-4 46 km/h (29 mph)
4-5 61 km/h (38 mph)
Driving
135

REVERSE
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.
Put the gearshift lever into the
neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
NOTE:You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift lever
from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R
(Reverse). This is a special lockout feature which prevents you from
shifting into R (Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth).
PARKING YOUR VEHICLE
1. Apply the brake and shift into
the neutral position.
2. Set the parking brake.
1
24R35
1
24R35
Driving
136

3. Shift into 1 (First).
4. Turn the ignition to position 1
(LOCK) to shut the engine off
and remove the ignition key.
WARNING: Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set
the parking brake fully.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
4x4 system general information
WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in
this chapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with a 4x4 system. This 4x4 system can use all
four wheels to power the vehicle. This helps increase traction, enabling
you to drive your vehicle over terrain and road conditions not normally
traveled by two-wheel drive vehicles.
Power is always supplied to the front wheels and to the rear wheels
through the transaxle and Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC) unit that allows
you to select a four-wheel drive mode best suited for your current
driving conditions.
1
24R35
Driving
137

For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the Power Take-Off
Unit and rear axle refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
Operating modes of the 4x4 system
The 4x4 system functions in two modes:
²The 4x4 AUTO mode provides
four-wheel drive with full power
delivered to the front axle at all
times, and to the rear axle as
required for increased traction.
This is appropriate for normal
on-road operating conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet
pavement, snow and gravel.
²The 4x4 ON mode provides
four-wheel drive with full power
to both axles at all times. It is
only intended for severe or
off-road driving conditions, such
as deep snow and ice (where no
dry or wet pavement remains
uncovered) and shallow sand or mud.
²The vehicle should not be operated in the 4x4 ON mode on dry
or merely wet pavement. Doing so will produce excessive noise,
increase tire wear and may damage driveline components. The
4x4 ON mode is intended for use only on consistently slippery
or loose surfaces.
²If your vehicle is equipped with this 4x4 system, a spare tire of
a different diameter than the road tires should never be used.
Such a tire could result in damage to driveline components and
make the vehicle difficult to control.
WARNING: Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
4x4 system indicator lights
The 4x4 mode indicator light illuminates only under the following
conditions. If the indicator light illuminates when driving in the 4x4
AUTO mode, contact your Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
LOCK
LOCK
Driving
138

The indicator light illuminates when the 4x4 ON mode is engaged.
Shifting between 4x4 Auto and ON modes
Press the four-wheel drive control to
apply power to both axles. When
you activate the control, the
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
When you press the control again,
4x4 AUTO is activated and, the indicator light will turn off.
Either shift can be done at a stop or while driving at any speed.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4x4 vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough
terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel
from the outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
²Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
²Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
²If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
LOCK
Driving
139

pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
²It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may loose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
²It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
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.
Driving
140