wheel MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD 2001 Owners Manual

RSM
CST
SETACC
OFF
ON
Instrument cluster
(pg. 8) Windshield wiper/washer
control
(pg. 44)
Manual tilt steering wheel lever(pg. 39)
Speed controls*
(pg. 40)
Instrument panel dimmer control (pg. 18)
Power mirror
control*
(pg. 18)
Fog lamp
control*
(pg. 50) Headlamp and turn
signal control(pg. 49)
Driver air bag(pg. 83)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
6

Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position. Illuminates when the oil
pressure falls below the normal
range when the engine is running.
To avoid engine damage, stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil
level and add oil if needed.
Refer toEngine oil in theMaintenance and care chapter.
Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped)
Illuminates when 4x4 switch control
is turn to the ON position.
NOTE: If the light continues to
flash have the system serviced.
Door ajar
Illuminates when any door, liftgate
or liftgate window is open.
Instrumentation
12

Fold-away mirrors
Pull the side mirrors in carefully
when driving through a narrow
space, like an automatic car wash.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
This control operates the four wheel
drive (4X4) system. Refer to the
Drivingchapter for more
information.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER CONTROL
The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the rear defroster control to
clear the rear window of thin ice
and fog.
² The small LED will illuminate
when the rear defroster is
activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
NOTE:The rear defroster does not shut off automatically. It will turn off
when the ignition is turned to the OFF position, but will turn back on
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. Push the rear window
defroster control to turn it off (small LED not illuminated).
HAZARD FLASHER
For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard flasherin
the Roadside emergencies chapter.
LOCK
Controls and features
19

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever and allows key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.
3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights
illuminated. Key position when
driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
MANUAL TILT STEERING COLUMN
Push the tilt steering wheel lever
downward to move the steering
wheel up or down. Pull the control
up into the original position to lock
the steering wheel in position.
WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving. You could lose control of the vehicle.
4
3
2
1
Controls and features
39

3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) withoutturning the key to 4 (START).
NOTE: If there is difficulty in
turning the key, firmly rotate the
steering wheel left and right until
the key turns freely. This condition
may occur when:
² front wheels are turned
² front wheel is against the curb
² steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
NOTE: If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not
illuminate.
4
3
2
1
BRAKEO/D
OFF
CHECK FUELCAP
Starting
104

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the service maintenance
section for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized Mazda
dealership.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a
noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system.
NOTE:The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.
A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
107

WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
ABS warning lamp
ABS(if equipped)
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately by an authorized
Mazda dealership.)
Using four wheel ABS (if equipped)
² In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
NOTE: We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Driving
108

STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
² Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
² underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
² uneven vehicle loading
² high crown in center of road
² high crosswinds
² wheels out of alignment
² loose or worn suspension components
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat
belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Driving
110

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 vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
NOTE:If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the
vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and
relays in theRoadside emergencies chapter.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working. A rear end colission may result after
you brake.
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.
Driving
111

Understanding gearshift positions
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness.NOTE:It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during
the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive
strategy has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained
by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new
battery is installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy.
Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
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 off the ignition
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.
R D 2 1ODO
R D 2 1ODO
Driving
113