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 (
1
) 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
1
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
Stored under cargo area cover
Jack handle
Stored underneath cargo cover
Gasoline
Unleaded
regular
87-octane
minimum
16-gallon/
61-liter tank
2.0L/3.0L
*Denotes optional equipment
†
See Owner’s Manual
