P = Park; R = Reverse; N = Neutral- Page 9

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

2004 Tribute

page 16
page 17

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 axles

at all times and to 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
axles (with P235/70R16 tires)
SAE class “S” chains can be
installed on both front and rear
wheels (with P215/70R16 tires);
install as tightly as possible
and retighten periodically
Never exceed 30 mph with 
tire chains

Spare tire

Stored under cargo area cover

Jack handle

Stored underneath cargo cover

*Denotes optional equipment
† See Owner’s Manual