check engine MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 2008 (in English) User Guide
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WARNING: Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause 
you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe
personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) event is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN. 
If a failure is detected in the ESC system, and the ESC button has not 
been pushed, the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will
stay on. If the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on while the engine is running, have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately. 
STEERING 
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering 
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. 
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the 
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal. 
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•  an improperly inflated tire 
•  uneven tire wear 
•  loose or worn suspension components 
•  loose or worn steering components 
•  improper steering alignment 
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering 
seem to wander/pull.
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Driving through deep water may damage the transmission. 
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should be 
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a lubricant
that does not normally require a lubricant change for the life of the
vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked
unless a leak is suspected. 
“Tread Lightly” is an educational 
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Mazda Motor
Corporation joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.” 
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain 
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up 
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep 
slopes or hills  . A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and 
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer. 
When climbing a steep slope or hill, 
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling. 
If you do stall out, Do not try to 
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location. 
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much 
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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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. 
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 OFF.
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 ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return  the key to OFF. 
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
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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*  lb.ft. 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. 
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.
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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. 
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. 
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.
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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 vehicles  do 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 
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of  the discharged battery. 
Note:  In the illustrations, lightning boltsare used to designate the 
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS 
To help you service your vehicle, we provide scheduled maintenance 
information  which 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 
•  Automatic transmission/transaxle: 
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•  Manual transmission/transaxle: 
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in  1 (First). 
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
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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 the Maintenance 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 (4.5°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.
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Changing rear window wiper blade 
The rear wiper arm is designed without a service position. This reduces 
the risk of damage to the blade in an automatic car wash. 
To replace the wiper blade:1. Grab the wiper arm just below  the blade attachment 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 wiper blade with your  other hand and use your fingers
to push the wiper arm tip
through the wiper blade center
to separate the blade from the arm. 
3. 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 to  scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate 
intervals for checking the engine oil. 
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few 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 indicator (dipstick).
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•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine 
•  If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer to Adding engine oil 
in this chapter. 
•  Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the MAX 
mark or upper hole may cause engine damage.  If the engine is 
overfilled, some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer. 
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated. 
Adding engine oil  1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to  Checking the engine 
oil  in 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 or FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick). 
4. Install the indicator 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 indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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