Mazda 2003 Tribute Quick Tips Download Page 9

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T R A N S M I S S I O N

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features

Transmission

Driving Tips

Quick Tips

Mazda

2003 Tribute

page 16
page 17

Revised September 25, 2002

Automatic transmission*

Gearshift must be in Park or
Neutral to start engine; it must
be in Park to remove ignition key

P = Park

To move gearshift from Park:
You must press firmly on the
brake pedal and the ignition
must be in the ON position

R = Reverse

Never engage Reverse when
vehicle is moving

N = Neutral

No gear is engaged; vehicle can
roll freely, even on a slight incline,
unless the brakes are applied

D (Overdrive)

For normal driving: Transmission
shifts through four forward gears

Tip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and
can feel like an additional
gear

D (Overdrive Off)

Press the overdrive switch (

) to

disengage overdrive; an indicator
light on the instrument panel
will illuminate

2 = Second

Place the gearshift lever in second
when accelerating on slippery
roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades

1 = First

Provides maximum engine braking
on steep downgrades

4X4 system*

AUTO = Four-
wheel drive
Power at normal
speed to front/rear

axles as required for traction, 4X4
light off
LOCK = Full time power to
front/rear axles, 4X4 light on
To shift from 4X4 AUTO to
4X4 LOCK (any forward speed):
Press switch
To shift from 4X4 LOCK to 4X4
AUTO high (any forward speed):
Press switch

OFF/ON

Manual
transmission

Depress clutch
pedal completely
to start engine and
change gears

Stop vehicle completely before
shifting into reverse

LOCK

Break-in period

First 1,000 miles: Avoid heavy
repeated brake use; avoid full
throttle, rapid acceleration or
kick-down of transmission; drive
at varying road and engine speeds
Do not tow a trailer for first
500 miles
Do not use special break-in oils

Tip: Follow the same procedures
with newly overhauled engine
or when brakes are replaced

Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS)*

ABS automatically reduces
hydraulic pressure to any wheel
on the verge of locking up
You may feel a slight pulsing of
the brake pedal and hear a
clicking noise; this tells you the

ABS is functioning properly;
increase pressure on pedal for
maximum braking

Tips: Maintain constant
pressure on the brake pedal
Do not pump the brakes

Tire economy and tips

Check pressure monthly when
tires are cold
See Owner’s Manual for rotation
schedule and chart

Tire pressure

Decal on driver’s door latch
pillar provides tire size and
pressure information

Tire chains*

†

Tire chains can damage aluminum
wheels; use on steel wheels only

Tips: Use only SAE class “S”
chains, install only on front
tires; install as tightly as possi-
ble and retighten periodically

Never exceed 30 mph with
tire chains

Spare tire