Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction

The tire pressure monitoring system 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.

WARNING: The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a
substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure

should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge,
see Inflating your tires in this chapter. Failure to properly
maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire
failure, loss of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.

Changing tires with TPMS

Each road tire is equipped with
a tire pressure sensor located
inside the tire/wheel cavity. The
pressure sensor is attached to
the valve stem. The pressure
sensor is covered by the tire and
is not visible unless the tire is
removed. Care must be taken
when changing the tire to avoid
damaging the sensor. It is
recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by an authorized dealer.

The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using
an accurate tire gauge, refer to Inflating your tires in this chapter.

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Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The tire pressure monitoring system measures pressure in your four road
tires and sends the tire pressure readings to your vehicle. The low tire
pressure warning lamp will turn on if the tire pressure is significantly
low. Once the light is illuminated, your tires are under inflated and need
to be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Even if
the light turns on and a short time later turns off, your tire pressure still
needs to be checked. Visit www.checkmytires.org for additional
information.

When your temporary spare tire is installed

When one of your road tires needs to be replaced with the temporary
spare, the TPMS system will continue to identify an issue to remind you
that the damaged road wheel/tire needs to be repaired and put back on
your vehicle.

To restore the full functionality of the tire pressure monitoring system,
have the damaged road wheel/tire repaired and remounted on your
vehicle. For additional information, refer to Changing tires with TPMS
in this section.

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When you believe your system is not operating properly

The main function of the tire pressure monitoring system is to warn you
when your tires need air. It can also warn you in the event the system is
no longer capable of functioning as intended. Please refer to the
following chart for information concerning your tire pressure monitoring
system:

Low tire
pressure
warning light

Possible
cause

Customer action required

Solid warning light Tire(s)

under-inflated

1. Check your tire pressure to
ensure tires are properly inflated;
refer to Inflating your tires in
this chapter.
2. After inflating your tires to the
manufacturer’s recommended
inflation pressure as shown on the
Tire Label (located on the edge of
driver’s door or the B-Pillar), the
vehicle must be driven for at least
two minutes over 20 mph
(32 km/h) before the light will
turn off.

Spare tire in
use

Your temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel/tire and reinstall it on the
vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description on
how the system functions, refer to
When your temporary spare tire
is installed in this section.

TPMS
malfunction

If your tires are properly inflated
and your spare tire is not in use
and the light remains on, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

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Low tire
pressure
warning light

Possible
cause

Customer action required

Flashing warning
light

Spare tire in
use

Your temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel and re-mount it on the
vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description of
how the system functions under
these conditions, refer to When
your temporary spare tire is
installed in this section.

TPMS
malfunction

If your tires are properly inflated
and your spare tire is not in use
and the TPMS warning light still
flashes, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

When inflating your tires

When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the tire pressure monitoring system may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.

It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn off after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.

How temperature affects your tire pressure

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(21 kPa) for a drop of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower
pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower
than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS warning
for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is on, visually
check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more tires are flat,
repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If any tire is

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under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location where
air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS

WARNING: Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Mazda. Use of any tire or

wheel not recommended by Mazda can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. If you need to use snow tires and cables, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specification as those originally installed.

Note: The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.

Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• SAE Class S cables should ONLY be used on the front axle for

P235/70R16 tires.

• Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any

wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.

• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
• Remove the cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use cables

on dry roads.

VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating

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capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight – is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight – is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket
equipment.

Payload – is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that the
vehicle is carrying. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found
on the Tire Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door
(vehicles exported outside the US and Canada may not have a Tire
Label). Look for “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND
CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX kg OR XXX lb.” for
maximum payload. The payload listed on the Tire Label is the maximum
payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any aftermarket
or authorized-dealer installed equipment has been installed on the
vehicle, the weight of the equipment must be subtracted from the
payload listed on the Tire Label in order to determine the new payload.

WARNING: The appropriate loading capacity of your vehicle can
be limited either by volume capacity (how much space is

available) or by payload capacity (how much weight the vehicle should
carry). Once you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle,
do not add more cargo, even if there is space available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.

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GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total
load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

Note: For trailer towing information refer to Trailer towing found in
this chapter or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your
authorized dealer.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) – is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment,
passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’s door. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.

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GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) – is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight – is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]). Consult your authorized
dealer (or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your
authorized dealer) for more detailed information.

Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight – refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples: For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.
(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply
by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to
2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)

WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

WARNING: Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may

lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations.

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WARNING: Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

Steps for determining the correct load limit:

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo

should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.” on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lb.

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1,400 lb. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) =
295 kg.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded

on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.

The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
• Another example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and

luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and
four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh
approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and
your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x
99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.

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• A final example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and

luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for
12-100 lb. (45 kg) bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity
to transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12
x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 -
540 = -103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least
240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then
the load calculation would be:

1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x
45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg.

The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.

Special loading instructions for owners of pick-up trucks and
utility-type vehicles

WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your

vehicle

section in the Driving chapter of this owner’s manual.

WARNING: Loaded vehicles 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 can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.

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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,
transmission, 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:
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least

1,000 miles (1,600 km).

• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the

proper installation and adjustment specifications.

• Be sure to locate all the warnings supplied by the trailer rental or

sales company and study the unique requirements of each trailer you
intend to tow.

• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to

tow in this chapter.

• Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving

while you tow in this chapter.

• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the

Scheduled maintenance section of the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.

For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading - with and
without a trailer in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load
of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.

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Powertrain

Maximum GCWR - lb

(kg)

Maximum Trailer

Weight - lb (kg)

4x2 2.5L w/manual
transmission

5000 (2268)

1500 (680)

4x2 2.5L w/automatic
transmission

5060 (2295)

1500 (680)

4x4 2.5L

5200 (2359)

1500 (680)

4x2 3.0L

7140 (3239)

3450 (1565)

4x4 3.0L

7300 (3311)

3450 (1565)

Notes:
– For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1000 ft (300 m)
elevation.
– Your vehicle is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above; the combined weight of the completed towing vehicle
and the loaded trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
– Maximum trailer frontal area should not exceed 24 ft

(2.2 m

) if

vehicle is equipped with a 2.5L engine; 30 ft

(2.8 m

) if equipped with

a 3.0L engine.
– Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed above may be limited to
this specified weight, as the vehicle’s electrical system does not include
the wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.

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:

•engine damage

•loss of control

•transmission damage

•personal injury

•structural damage

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.

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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
10–15% 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.

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 all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. See your authorized Mazda
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking-up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

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• Use the grade assist feature (automatic transmissions) when towing.

This feature provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive
shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to Special operating conditions in the
Service Maintenance Section chapter.

Trailer towing tips
• Practice 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.

• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or neutral (manual transmissions).

• After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.

• 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,
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of

the rear bumper.

• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in. (15 cm) 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.

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Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction - part 11