transmission MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD 2001 Owners Manual

O/D off
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theDriving
chapter, has been pushed turning
the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light is on, the
transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to the
Driving chapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission
Control Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible or damage to the
transmission could occur.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will illuminate when the
engine coolant inside the reservoir is
low. This lamp will illuminate when
the ignition is first turned to the ON
position, but then should turn off.
If the lamp stays on, to avoid engine damage you should allow the
engine to cool down, then check the coolant level inside the
reservoir.
For instructions on adding coolant, see Engine coolantin
theMaintenance and care chapter.
O/D
OFF
Instrumentation
13

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
² Make sure the parking brake is
set.
² Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
² Make sure the parking brake is
set.
² Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
R D 2 1ODO
Starting
103

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking brake handle
up as far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
!
BRAKE
Driving
109

²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
² Maximum Trailer Weight: Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
² Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
NOTE: Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer
when figuring the total weight.
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label, this could affect vehicle handling and
cause an accident.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than
the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver's door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of passengers or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and Front and rear
gross axle weight rating limits.
Driving
125

If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
² Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
² Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
² Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
ªScheduled Maintenanceº section of this manual.
² Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
² Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Certification label. For
load specification terms found on the label, refer to Vehicle loadingin
this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded
vehicle when figuring the total weight.
Driving
127

EngineTrailer weight range
(0-Maximum) - kg (lbs.)
2.0L DOHC Zetec I4 0-454 (0-1,000)
3.0L DOHC Duratec V-6 0-907 (0-2,000)
3.0L DOHC Duratec V-6 (w/trailer tow package) 0-1,587 (0-3,500)
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in:
² engine damage
² transmission damage
² structural damage
² loss of control
² personal injury
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized Mazda dealer.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Driving
128

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.WARNING: Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your
authorized Mazda dealer for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
² Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
² Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
² Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
² Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the ªScheduled Maintenanceº section
for more information.
Driving
129

Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
² Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
² The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10±15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
² After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
² When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
² Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
² Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
² Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability
and causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been
submerged in water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water. Water entering these areas, while connected, could
short-circuit the system.
Driving
130

Recreational towing
An example of ªrecreational towingº is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x2
(front-wheel drive only) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is
permitted by trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This
protects the transmission's internal mechanical components from
potential lack of lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x4 (all-wheel
drive) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is permitted only if
the vehicle is trailered with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise,
no ªrecreational towingº is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transmission equipped, shifting the transmission
into neutral permits ªflat-towingº (all wheels on the ground) for pulling
behind a motorhome. Your vehicle may be towed up to a speed of
120 km/h (75 mph) but you should always obey local speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer toWrecker Towingin the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack. The maximum load for the roof
rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed on the crossbars. If it is not
possible to evenly distribute the load, position it in the center or as far
forward on the crossbars as possible. Always use the adjustable tie down
loops to secure the load.
To adjust the cross-bar position: 1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driving
131

It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in 4WD modes with
a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not operate above
speeds of 16 km/h (10 mph) or for distances above 80 km (50 miles).WARNING: If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or
do not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you
to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or
others.
When driving with the temporary spare tire do not:
² exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under any circumstances
² load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
² tow a trailer
² use tire chains
² drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle's reduced
ground clearance
² try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel rim
² use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
Tire change procedure WARNING: When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or R (Reverse) (manual transaxle).
WARNING: To prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in
both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING: If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone
else could be seriously injured.
Roadside emergencies
143