P = Park; R = Reverse; N = Neutral- Page 7

C L I M A T E   C O N T R O L S

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

1. Fan control

To increase speed and flow:
Rotate knob clockwise

2. Air flow selections

=  air to dash

=  air to dash and floor

OFF =  system off, no air flow

=  air to floor

=  air to floor and 

windshield

=  defrost, air to 

windshield

3. Temperature selection

Cooler/warmer = rotate knob
counterclockwise/clockwise

Air conditioning system 
MAX A/C

= cooling with inside

air, air to dash only

A/C

= cooling with outside air, 

air to dash only

Control positions for 
maximum defrost

Fan to maximum, temperature 
to maximum hot, air flow selector
knob to

Tips: To prevent moisture
buildup, never drive 
with system off
To help prevent windshield 
fogging in humid weather,
select DEF

before starting

engine

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

Climate

Controls

Transmission

Quick Tips

Mazda

2001 Tribute

page 12
page 13

Revised October 27, 2000

A/C

OFF

MAX

A/C

1

2

3

*Denotes optional equipment

1

OFF/ON

Manual 
transmission

Depress clutch 
pedal completely 
to start engine and
change gears

Stop vehicle completely before 
shifting into reverse

LOCK