ESP MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 2008 Owners Manual (in English)
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2008, Model line: MODEL TRIBUTE, Model: MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 2008Pages: 288, PDF Size: 3.9 MB
Page 5 of 288

WARNING: In the event of an accident the Fuel pump shut-off 
switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine.
The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to the Fuel 
pump shut-off switch  in theRoadside Emergencies chapter. 
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION 
Warning symbols in this guide 
How can you reduce the risk of 
personal injury to yourself or
others? In this guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by a bold
WARNING  statement. These comments should be read and observed. 
Warning symbols on your vehicle 
When you see this symbol, it is 
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind. 
Protecting the environment 
We must all play our part in 
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol. 
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow 
your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Introduction
5 
Page 12 of 288

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES 
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may 
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information. 
Check engine: TheCheck Engine 
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the RUN
position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, the  Check Enginelight will stay on until the engine is 
cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if
after 15 seconds the  Check Enginelight blinks eight times, it means 
that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the  Readiness for 
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing  in theMaintenance and 
Specifications  chapter. 
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board 
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to  On 
board diagnostics (OBD-II)  in theMaintenance and Specifications 
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer. 
If the
light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first 
available opportunity.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Instrument Cluster
12 
Page 19 of 288

AUDIO SYSTEMS 
AM/FM/single CD/in-dash CD6/MP3 sound system 
Accessory delay: Your vehicle is equipped with accessory delay. With 
this feature, the window switches, radio and moon roof (if equipped)
may be used for up to ten minutes after the ignition is turned off or until
either front door is opened. 
Note:  Your vehicle is equipped with 
a unique audio system. If your
display shows six small circles in the
display, your audio system is a CD6
system. If not, your system is a
Single CD system. 
1.  EJECT: For a single CD 
system,  press EJECT to eject 
the CD.
For a CD6 system,  press EJECT and select the desired CD slot by 
pressing the corresponding memory preset #. The display will read
EJECTING #. When the system has ejected the CD, the display will
read REMOVE CD #. Remove the CD. If you do not remove the CD
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Entertainment Systems
19 
Page 63 of 288

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) 
The Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT) complies with part 15 of the 
FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation. 
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. 
The typical operating range for your 
IKT is approximately 33 feet
(10 meters). A decrease in
operating range could be caused by: 
• weather conditions, 
•  nearby radio towers, 
•  structures around the vehicle, or 
•  other vehicles parked next to 
your vehicle. 
The IKT allows you to:
•  remotely unlock the vehicle 
doors. 
•  remotely lock all the vehicle 
doors. 
•  remotely open the power liftgate glass. 
•  activate the personal alarm. 
•  operate the illuminated entry feature. 
The remote entry lock/unlock feature operates in any ignition position 
except while the key is held in the 4 (START) position. The panic
feature operates with the key in the 1 (LOCK) position. 
If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take 
ALL Integrated Keyhead Transmitters  with you to the authorized 
dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the problem.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Locks and Security
63 
Page 84 of 288

Front seat belt pretensioners 
The seat belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are 
designed to tighten the seat belts firmly against the occupant’s body
during frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers when the
vehicle is equipped with the side-curtain airbag system. This helps
increase the effectiveness of the seat belts. In frontal collisions, the seat
belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of
sufficient severity, together with the front airbags. 
Front seat belt load limiter 
The front outboard seat belt load limiter allows webbing to be pulled out 
of the retractor in a gradual and controlled manner in response to the
occupant’s forward momentum. This helps reduce the risk of
force-related injuries to the occupant’s chest by limiting the load on the
occupant. Refer to Load limiter feature section in this chapter. 
Determining if the Personal Safety System  is operational 
The Personal Safety System  uses a warning light in the instrument 
cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer
to the  Warning light section in theInstrument cluster chapter. Routine 
maintenance of the Personal Safety System  is not required. 
The Restraints control module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits 
and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s),
seat belt pretensioners, front seat belt buckle sensors, driver seat
position sensor, and front passenger sensing system. In addition, the
RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the instrument cluster.
A malfunction with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following. 
•  The warning light will either flash or stay lit. 
•  The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is 
turned on. 
•  A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat 
periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired. 
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal 
Safety System  serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless 
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a 
collision.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
84 
Page 87 of 288

All seat belts in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The 
passenger seat belts have two types of locking modes described below: 
Vehicle sensitive mode 
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length 
adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
or more, the combination seat belts will lock to help reduce forward
movement of the driver and passengers. 
Automatic locking mode for use with child safety seats 
When to use the automatic locking mode 
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will 
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic
locking mode is not available on the driver seat belt. 
This mode should be used any timea child safety seat, except a 
booster, is installed in passenger front or rear seating positions. Children
12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat
whenever possible. Refer to  Safety restraints for children orSafety 
seats for children  later in this chapter. 
How to use the automatic locking mode for use with child safety 
seats 
•  Buckle the combination lap and 
shoulder belt.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
87 
Page 89 of 288

Seat belt height adjustment 
Your vehicle has seat belt height 
adjustments at the front outboard
seating positions. Adjust the height
of the shoulder belt so the belt rests
across the middle of your shoulder. 
To adjust the shoulder belt height, 
squeeze and hold the buttons on the
side and slide the height adjuster up
or down. Release the buttons and
pull down on the height adjuster to 
make sure it is locked in place. WARNING: Position the seat belt height adjusters so that the 
belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust
the seat belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat
belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision. 
Seat belt pretensioner 
Your vehicle is equipped with seat belt pretensioners at the driver and 
right front passenger seating positions. 
The seat belt pretensioner removes some slack from the seat belt system 
at the start of a crash. The seat belt pretensioner uses the same crash
sensor system as the front airbags and side-curtain airbags (if equipped).
When the seat belt pretensioner deploys, the lap and shoulder belt are
tightened. 
When the side-curtain airbags (if equipped) and/or the front airbags are 
activated, the seat belt pretensioners for the driver and right front
passenger seating positions will be activated when the respective seatbelt
is properly buckled.  WARNING: The driver and the right front passenger seat belt 
system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters)
must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that
results in deployment of front airbags, seat-mounted side
airbags, or side-curtain airbags (if equipped) and seat belt
pretensioners.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
89 
Page 90 of 288

WARNING: Failure to replace both front restraints under the 
above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the
event of a collision. The seat belt pretensioners will only
function once. After they are deployed, they will not work again
and must be replaced immediately, even if there was no front
seat occupant seated at the time. 
WARNING: Modifying the components or wiring of the 
pretensioner system, including the use of electronic testing
devices is dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make
it inoperable which would prevent it from activating in an
accident. Front occupants could be seriously injured. Never
modify the components or wiring, or use electronic testing
devices on the pretensioner system. 
WARNING: Improper disposal of the pretensioner system or a 
vehicle with non-deactivated pretensioners is dangerous. Unless
all safety procedures are followed, injury could result. Ask an
authorized Mazda dealer how to safely dispose of the
pretensioner system or how to scrap a front
pretensioner-equipped vehicle. 
Refer to the  Seat belt maintenance section in this chapter. 
Seat belt extension assembly 
If the seat belt is too short when fully extended, a 9 inch (23 cm) or 12 
inch (31 cm) seat belt extension assembly can be added (part numbers
611C22–A and 611C22–B respectively). Seat belt extension assemblies
can be obtained from your authorized Mazda dealership. 
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the seat belt. 
Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the
label. Also, use the seat belt extension only if the seat belt is too short
for you when fully extended. 
When you are not using the extensions store them in another location so 
that no one will accidentally use them. 
NOTE:  Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt 
across the torso.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
90 
Page 126 of 288

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power 
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in the Drivingchapter. Information on transfer case 
maintenance can be found in the  Maintenance and Specifications 
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle. 
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD 
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern. 
WARNING: Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD 
and AWD vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may
accelerate better than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won’t stop any faster than two-wheel drive
vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed. 
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles 
SUV and trucks can differ from 
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be: 
•  Higher – to allow higher load 
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components. 
•  Shorter – to give it the capability 
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
126 
Page 128 of 288

Treadwear 
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of 
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate. 
Traction AA A B C 
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The 
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance. WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on 
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction
characteristics. 
Temperature A B C 
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the 
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.  WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established 
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
2008 Tribute  (j14) 
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA  (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
128