Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate
Controls chapter for more information.

In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles:

Tow your FWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the
front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.

Note: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
• For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, have

your transmission fluid level checked by an authorized dealer.
For the correct transmission fluid level when flat towing (all four
wheels on the ground), refer to Transmission fluid in the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
• Place the ignition to the accessory position (refer to Starting in the

Driving chapter).

• Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) if the vehicle is equipped with an

automatic transmission or 70 mph (113 km/h) if equipped with a
manual transmission.

• For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, start the engine

and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and
every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on
the brake, shift into D (Drive) and then into R (Reverse) before
shifting back into N (Neutral).

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Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles:

Tow your 4WD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with all four
wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer. Do not tow your
4WD vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow
dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground. This will cause damage to
your 4WD system. If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the
instruction specified by the equipment provider.

Note: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
• For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, have

Driving chapter).

• Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) if the vehicle is equipped with an

automatic transmission or 70 mph (113 km/h) if equipped with a
manual transmission.

• For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, start the engine

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STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Off— 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 and warning lights
will illuminate. This is the
position the key is in when
you’re driving.

4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
Note: This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,

creating the risk of fire or other damage.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes

in this chapter for more instructions.

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WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your authorized dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not

drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their seat belts. For

more information on seat belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

BRAKE

RELEA

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Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without

turning the key to 4 (start). If
there is difficulty in turning the
key, rotate the steering wheel
until the key turns freely. This
condition may occur when:

• the front wheels are turned.
• a front wheel is against the curb.

2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then

release the key as soon as the
engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted
cranking system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing
the key from the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.

Note: Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
position.

3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the

brake, shift into gear and drive.

Note: If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off
position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to
start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the
accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.

Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)

The starting characteristics of all grades of E

ethanol make it

unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C).
Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade ethanol.
As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If
summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, 0°F to 32°F
(-18°C to 0°C), you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle
or hesitation until the engine has warmed up.

You may experience a decrease in peak performance when the engine is
cold when operating on E

ethanol.

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Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time as starter
damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to off and
wait 30 seconds before trying again.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible
personal injury.
If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E

ethanol,

and neither an alternative brand of E

ethanol nor an engine block

heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank will
improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate
on E

ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.

See Choosing the right fuel in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information on ethanol.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible
fuel vehicles only)

1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then

crank the engine.

2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the

accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to
start, repeat Step 1.

Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized dealer inspect and fix your

vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These
fumes are harmful and result in accident or death.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.

• the sound of the exhaust system changes.

• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

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Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

Note: Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).

WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.

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• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug/engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of

all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.

• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord

are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.

• Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall

tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.

How to use the engine block heater

Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.

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BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Since your 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 dealer.

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.

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.

BRAKE

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Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.

ABS

BRAKE

BRAKE

RELEA

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BRAKE

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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) (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.

Pull the release lever to release the
brake.

Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.

DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC) SYSTEM

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system provides the following
stability enhancement features for certain driving situations:
• Traction control (TCS), which functions to help avoid drive-wheel spin

and loss of traction

• Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids

or lateral slides

• Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威), which functions to help avoid a

vehicle roll-over

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WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire

construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the Dynamic Stability Control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the DSC
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the DSC sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the DSC system could lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a

vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the DSC system is an indication that at least some of the
tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the
operator’s ability to control the vehicle, potentially resulting in a loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your DSC
system activates, SLOW DOWN.

WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the DSC
system, the stability control light will illuminate steadily. Have

the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating
your vehicle with DSC disabled could lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

The DSC system automatically enables each time the engine is started.
All features of the DSC system (TCS, ESC, and RSC

威) are active and

monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only
intervene if the driving situation requires it.

The Dynamic Stability Control
system includes a traction control
off button on the instrument panel
below the climate control, a stability
control “OFF” light and a stability control light in the instrument cluster.
The stability control light and stability control “OFF” light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a

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normal system self-check, or during driving if a driving situation causes
the DSC system to operate. The stability control off light will illuminate if
traction control or trailer sway control are disabled after pressing the
TCS OFF switch. If the stability control light remains steadily
illuminated, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.

Note: If the system cannot be turned off, refer to MyKey™ in the Locks
and Security chapter for more information.

When DSC performs a normal system self-check, some drivers may
notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.

When an event occurs that activates DSC, you may experience the
following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The stability control light will flash.
• A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.

• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control (TCS)

Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.

During traction control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash.

If the traction control system is activated excessively in a short period of
time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily disabled
to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, traction control will
use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control the wheels
from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will

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regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC

威, and ESC are not affected by

this condition and will continue to function during the cool-down period.

The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off traction control
section below.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.

During electronic stability control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the electronic stability
control system, which include but are not limited to:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer

towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter).

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威)

Roll Stability Control (RSC

威) may help to maintain roll stability of the

vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC

威 operates by detecting the

vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.

During an event that activates Roll Stability Control™ (RSC

威), the

stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSC

威 system, which

include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast

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• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
Switching off traction control

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the traction control features of the DSC system may
be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore
full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To
switch off the traction control, press the traction control off button. Full
features of the stability control system can be restored by pressing the
traction control off button again, or by turning off and restarting the
engine.

If you switch off the traction control, the stability control “OFF” light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control off button again will turn
off the stability control “OFF” light.

In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSC

威 are disabled.

Dynamic Stability Control Features

Button
functions

Stability

control

light

RSC

威/

ESC/

Traction

control

Stability

control

“OFF”

Trailer

sway

Default at
start-up

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Button pressed
momentarily

Not

Illuminated

Enabled

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Button pressed
again after
deactivation

Not

illuminated

Enabled

Not

illuminated

Enabled

When the DSC button is pressed momentarily, traction control is

disabled.

When the DSC button is pressed and held for more than five seconds,

trailer sway control is disabled.

Trailer sway control (if equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control (TSC). When
properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the sensors of the
vehicle’s DSC system to detect and attempt to mitigate trailer sway by
applying brake force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing
engine power. No driver action is required.

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Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction - part 12